Game Preview
What a difference one game came make.
The Arizona Coyotes snapped their 14-game losing streak on Friday with a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. From scoring their first goal just over seven and a half minutes in until the final buzzer, the Coyotes didn’t trail once in the match.
The Coyotes had a balanced offense on Friday, with goals from Michael Carcone, J.J. Moser, Nick Schmaltz, Dylan Guenther, and Matias Maccelli. Five Coyotes players had two points, with Maccelli recording three.
Of course, it was not a perfect game for the Desert Dogs. After outshooting the Senators 18-11 in the opening frame, the Senators responded by outshooting the Yotes 19-4 in the second period. The period also saw the Coyotes start with a 3-1 lead and end with the game tied.
Thankfully, the Coyotes responded in the third period, a response which started with a power play goal. It was the second power play goal of the night, proving how vital special teams can be.
But just like the Coyotes couldn’t dwell too long on their losses, the same applies to their wins. The Coyotes play a matinee matchup tonight, facing off against the fifth team in the Metropolitan Division, the Washington Capitals.
The Capitals probably aren’t going to make the playoffs, but they have been good since the All-Star break. The Capitals were 5-4-2 in February and started March with a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Capitals are a low-offense team this season, with only the Sharks and Blackhawks averaging fewer goals per games played. Meanwhile, the Capitals are 19th in goals against per games played, better than the Coyotes but not great.
The special teams follow this trend. The Capitals’ power play isn’t one of the worst in the league, but it is one of the ten worst in the NHL. Meanwhile, their penalty kill is average, 14th in the NHL.
The Coyotes may have scored two points on Friday, but they need to play better tonight. They need a full 60-minute effort and not allow the Capitals to come back like the Senators did in the second. They need to stay disciplined and avoid taking unnecessary penalties while capitalizing on their chances.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Matias Maccelli – Maccelli had a goal and two assists against the Senators as he continued his point streak. He has three goals and four assists in his last five games.
Washington: Dylan Strome – The former Coyote Strome had a goal and two assists in the Capitals’ last game, and he is on pace for setting a new career-high in goals scored. He is in the midst of his third 20-plus goal season.
Injuries
Arizona: Travis Boyd (pectoral), Clayton Keller (upper body)
Washington: Nicklas Bäckström (hip), Nic Dowd (upper body), Martin Fehérváry (lower body), T.J. Oshie (upper body)
Puck Drop
Today’s game will be at 11:00 am Arizona time and will air on the NHL Network and Scripps.