Arizona Coyotes Games 24 thru 26 Predictions
The Arizona Coyotes hit the road again after a successful three game sweep at home.
Nov 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) makes a glove save against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
** Here are the Howlin’ Hockey Editor’s Predictions for the Arizona Coyotes games the week of 12-1-15 to 12-5-15
- Game 24: Arizona Coyotes at Nashville Predators – December 1, 2015
Last season the Nashville Predators preyed on the Coyotes in all three games. Two games were close, with one being a shootout loss, and the other an overtime loss. The Predators earned 104 points last season, and a second place finish in the tough Central Division. Unfortunately, they had to face the eventual Cup winning Blackhawks. They went down four games to two.
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This season, the Preds started well, but have fallen off of late. In fact, they were shut out three consecutive games on the road against the Blue Jackets, Wild, and Rangers. They managed to beat the Sabres 3-2, but are back to losing again with two straight losses to the Flyers and Sabres.
With the Arizona Coyotes on a three game winning streak, and the Preds down in their luck, this would be the ideal time to grab another win on the road. Winners of four of their last five games, the Arizona Coyotes may be feeling their oats, and have some confidence to beat a team they are comparable to in point totals for this season. It’s still difficult to tell if the Preds are going to find their scoring touch that fueled their rise in the standings last season.
The Preds have to contain Mikkel Boedker, who is on a tear with nine goals, nine assists in 23 games. I’m sure Pekka Rinne will have something to do with that. Boedker had two hat tricks against the Senators, who must be glad they don’t have to face him again this season.
Prediction: Nashville Predators 5, Arizona Coyotes 3
Next: Detroit Red Wings - December 3, 2015
Mar 24, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Joe Vitale (14) and Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (40) chase the puck in the first period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
- Game 25: Arizona Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings – December 3, 2015
There is no surprise that these two teams are very competitive against each other. For the many times the Red Wings have eliminated the Arizona Coyotes in the playoffs, the Yotes would love nothing more than to defeat them.
Last season the Red Wings finished with 100 points, and a 3rd place finish in the Atlantic Division. They lost in the first round to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning, four games to three.
The one big change on the Motor City boys is their coach, Mike Babcock decided to play “Let’s make a deal” to see who would pay him a fortune to coach them. The Toronto Maple Leafs won that battle for his services with a whopping $50 million contract. Is he worth it? Well, the numbers say he is. He has a .649 winning percentage, and one Cup.
This game will feature two of the top candidates for Rookie-of-the Year honors in Max Domi, and Dylan Larkin. Domi has eight goals, 12 assists, while Larkin has 10 goals, eight assists. Larkin has three game winning goals, while Domi has a power play goal.
The focus for the Arizona Coyotes, as any team who faces the Red Wings, is to stop Henrik Zetterberg. He has 20 points in 24 games already this season, and is always a thorn in the Coyotes’ backside.
Both teams are third in their respective divisions, making this game crucial for either team to win.
Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 3, Detroit Red Wings 2, Overtime (Ekmann-Larsson scores winning goal)
Next: Buffalo Sabres - December 4, 2015
Oct 30, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel (15) waits for a face-off during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
- Game 25: Arizona Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings – December 4, 2015
The Buffalo Sabres are a much better hockey team and Jack Eichel has certainly been part of that equation. He has played 24 games with eight goals, and four assists. Three of his goals are power play goals, and two are game winners. He has a bright future in the NHL, and will be right there fighting it out with Max Domi for the Calder Trophy given to the Rookie-of-the Year.
The Sabres are certainly no push over this year. They added Ryan O’Reilly also, who is their leading scorer with 19 points, from eight goals, and 11 assists. Even with this firepower from these two Sabres’ players the Buffalo franchise is seventh in the tough Atlantic Division with just 22 points. They are one point ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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The Arizona Coyotes are improved also, and it will be a great game to watch the matchup of Max Domi against Jack Eichel. There’s been lots of written words about both of these talented NHL rookies, and now they can see what each has facing one another for the first time.
The one factor which always has some affect will be the Arizona Coyotes playing back to back games on the road. Anders Lindback may get the start in this game to give Mike Smith a reprieve, and not cause his injury to be aggravated.
Look for Domi to have another good game. He will score two goals in this game, and Eichel will be shut down.
Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 4, Buffalo Sabres 1