After winning three games in a row at home, the Arizona Coyotes headed out on ANOTHER five game road trip.
Nov 21, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Anders Lindback (29) prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
** Here are the Howlin’ Hockey Editor’s Predictions for the Arizona Coyotes games the week of 12-6-15 to 12-12-15
- Game 27: Arizona Coyotes at Carolina Hurricanes – December 6, 2015
So far on the second five game road trip this young season, the Arizona Coyotes have lost all three games by the same 5-2 score. Let’s hope their fortunes change against the 9-13-4 Carolina Hurricanes. The ‘Canes are a less than impressive 3-4-2 in their last 10 games, while the Yotes are not much better at 4-6 in their last contests. In order to try and salvage a decent road trip record, this game becomes vital.
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Max Domi continued his scoring prowess with two goals, and three assists in his last five games, including two tallies against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night. Domi is now tied for the NHL lead in goals for rookies this season. If the Arizona Coyotes can maintain some better puck possession in this game, they stand a better fate. Turnovers have rattled the team’s chances at victory, of late.
Head Coach Dave Tippett decided he’d seen enough of Connor Murphy’s lack of playing with purpose, and he benched Murphy in lieu of Stefan Elliott. As most any of you know who follow the Arizona Coyotes, Tippett is not shy when it comes to sending a player a message that their play needs improvement. It will be interesting to see if this is a three-game reality check for Murphy, or if Tippett plays Murphy. Murphy was involved in a key play where a Coyotes’ goal against the Red Wings was overturned, due to a coach’s challenge, when he failed to stay on-side for an apparent Klas Dahlbeck goal.
Murphy did not play against the Buffalo Sabres, and HC Tippett is apparently letting Murphy get the point that he is not intrigued by his lack of playing better. Elliott is a more seasoned young player, and a bit more offensively talented. Could this mean the Yotes will shop Murphy around, or make a deal involving him? Who knows?
The big deal in Carolina is whether the ‘Canes are going to re-sign Eric Staal, or trade him. With just four goals and 10 assists in 26 games, he is struggling. He does however possess a no-trade clause in his contract, so things will start to get interesting very soon.
Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 5, Carolina Hurricanes 4
Next: Arizona Coyotes at St. Louis Blues - December 8, 2015