Feb 26, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) and defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) defend Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) during the third period at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Coyotes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
- Game Seven: Arizona Coyotes at New York Rangers October 22, 2015
These two teams have both started with three consecutive victories, and then have run into difficulties. The New York Rangers are now 3-3, after losing to the New Jersey Devils on 10-18-15. The Rangers must face the 4-1-0 San Jose Sharks on 10-19-15 before the Coyotes game on the 22nd. So, both of these teams have been hot and then cold, and determining who wants to win this game will be interesting.
This will be the first match-up of Keith Yandle playing against Anthony Duclair, the prospect whom the Coyotes acquired in the Rangers trade last spring. So far, it appears that the Coyotes got the better end of the deal, but Yandle only played for a partial season after the trade to the Rangers.
Puck Prose
The two games played between these teams last season were won by the Rangers. So the Coyotes could show them that they are not the same team as last year, and give the New York team a good game. With both teams in a slight downward spiral the game will be decided by whomever wants it more.
If the Arizona Coyotes could come out on top, it would make this team acquire that confidence it had over the first three games, when they didn’t look at all like the team who finished 29th in the NHL last year. The youth and speed of this year’s team has many fans excited for the prospects of being a much better team. It will be the first look that the eastern press will get of the newly revamped Arizona Coyotes. I’m sure they will remember it, since Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, and Tobias Rider are all playing well.
Prediction: New York Rangers 3, Arizona Coyotes 1
Next: Game Eight: Ottawa Senators