Arizona Coyotes First Five Games Prediction

Mar 28, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save against Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

• Game Two: Pittsburgh Penguins at Arizona Coyotes October 10, 2015

These two teams had a couple close games last season, with the Penguins coming out on top 3-2, and 3-1. If the Arizona Coyotes can stay that close to them with last year’s roster, they have a good chance to beat them in this home opener. The Penguins got better, when they acquired Phil Kessel from Toronto. That will give them added firepower to go along with Crosby, and Malkin. Even with those offensive assets they were eliminated in four games last season in the Eastern Conference playoffs by the New York Rangers.

This will be the home opener for the Arizona Coyotes, who don’t want to have it spoiled for them as it was last season, when the Winnipeg Jets came in and spanked the Yotes 6-2. That was not a good start to a very long and frustrating season.

Head Coach Dave Tippett and GM Don Maloney feel this team can compete much better, and they should. The final roster cuts have been made; and the Arizona Coyotes fans who failed to see newcomers Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Nicklas Grossmann, Stefan Elliott, John Scott, Steve Downie, and Anders Lindback will have the opportunity to get used to their numbers and faces at this initial home game. The team also has back some familiar faces in Antione Vermette, Zbynek Michalek, and Boyd Gordon, all former Coyote players rejoining them again.

Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2

Next: Game Three: Anaheim Ducks