Game Preview
The Arizona Coyotes win streak ended far too quickly. After a massive 14-game losing streak, the Coyotes headed into their last game riding a two-game winning streak. Unfortunately, they underestimated the Chicago Blackhawks and fell 5-2.
If you needed a game that perfectly summarized this season’s most prominent problem, it would have been the game against the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks didn’t manage a single 5-on-5 goal, scoring four times on the power play and then hitting the empty net.
Penalties have been a persistent problem for the entire season. The Coyotes don’t usually give up four power play goals because of it, but when you are playing a desperate team, you can’t be surprised when they take advantage of a chance with the man advantage.
The Minnesota Wild are just one spot ahead of the Coyotes in the Central Division, but thanks to the Coyotes’ losing streak, the gap is nine points.
Since beating the Coyotes 3-1 on Valentine’s Day, the Wild are 4-4-1. The Wild had a decent record while mostly playing better teams, which doesn’t bode well for the Coyotes.
Penalties were a factor in the Wild’s last win over the Coyotes, so the Desert Dogs must stay disciplined tonight. The Wild’s first goal came with the man advantage, although the penalty kill was solid after that.
Tonight will also be the first of a back-to-back for the Wild, who play the Avalanche tomorrow. Maybe the Coyotes will get lucky, and their opponents will look past them and focus on tomorrow’s game.
Players to Watch
Arizona: Michael Carcone—Carcone has been streaky this season, but he is heating up right now. He scored the Coyotes’ second and final goal against the Blackhawks, and he has three points in his last three games.
Minnesota: Joel Eriksson Ek – Eriksson Ek had a goal against the Coyotes in their last game, and had an assist in his last match. Only Kirill Kaprizov has more goals and assists on the Wild roster.
Injuries
Arizona: Travis Boyd (pectoral)
Minnesota: Caedan Bankier (Achilles), Marcus Foligno (lower body), Sam Hentges (undisclosed), Marcus Johansson (lower body), Pat Maroon (back), Jared Spurgeon (various), Mats Zuccarello (personal)
Puck Drop
Tonight’s game will be the first of a back-to-back for the Coyotes, who will host the Wild and the Red Wings. It will air at 7:00 p.m. on Scripps.