Arizona Coyotes Games 27 Thru 30 Predictions
Oct 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) scores on Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
- Game 29: Minnesota Wild at Arizona Coyotes – December 11, 2015
Back on October 15, 2015 the Minnesota Wild came into Gila River arena and defeated the Arizona Coyotes by a 4-3 margin. The Coyotes buried themselves in a 0-3 hole by the 7:07 mark of the second period, and did make a valiant effort to get back into the game, but fell short. Both Max Domi, and Anthony Duclair scored, along with Michael Stone’s semi-breakaway goal at 15:12 of the final stanza. The Wild held on, and this was the first game back in Arizona since the Arizona Coyotes traded Devan Dubnyk to the Wild, in a controversial deal.
Dubnyk went on to carry the Wild on his back with an outstanding record in net, compiling a 27-9-2 record, with a stellar .936 save percentage, and a stingy 1.78 goals against average. The way the goaltending has gone since then for Mike Smith, makes many Coyotes’ fans scratching their heads in disbelief as to what is up with Smitty. Things have been up and down for Smith this season. He can play one game with the results equal to his hefty contract, and then go out there and embarrass himself, and the team, by giving up three goals on nine shots.
The sad part is, the Arizona Coyotes are married to Smith (GM Don Maloney’s words) and can’t get rid of him, unless they cut their losses as they did with the Mike Ribeiro fiasco. Those losses would be substantial. So, Smith is going to have to work his way through his difficulties, and play like the pro he is.
The Wild are a respectable 14-7-4 for 32 pints and a third place standing in the Central Division. They will be looking to take another game away from the Arizona Coyotes if they are allowed to do so. They Coyotes MUST come out ready to play, and face a good hockey team.
Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 3, Minnesota Wild 2 O/T (Tobias Rieder gets the winning goal in O/T)
Next: Carolina Hurricanes at Arizona Coyotes - December 12, 2015