Oct 25, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Arizona Coyotes celebrate after a goal by Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) to beat Florida Panthers 2-1 in overtime at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
GET A FAST START- For the Coyotes, setting the pace from the moment the puck drops is going to be critical for their success. With talents like Steven Stamkos on the other bench, the Coyotes must control the momentum unless they want to find themselves down early. Against a top 10 team like the Lightning
SOLID GOALTENDING- We’re assuming Mike Smith will get the nod in net tonight. If so, he needs to build off the success he’s had this past week if the Coyotes are to have any shot at winning. This Tampa squad has combined for 27 goals across 9 games already this season- safe to say scoring isn’t an issue for them. To combat that offense, Arizona needs a big game out of Mike Smith and hopefully the defense as well. If Smith can get inside the heads of the Lightnings talented forwards early with some big saves, it’s sure to be a good night for Coyotes fans.
Oct 25, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) looks on prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
STAY OUT OF THE BOX- While Tampa may not have as potent a power play as the Coyotes (hard to believe I know but check the stats), at a production rate of 23.5% the Coyotes can not afford to be in the box all night as they were last week against Nashville. Keep the game at 5-on-5 and take advantage of any power play opportunities, but for the love of all that is hockey, stay out of the box!