Arizona Coyotes Games 32 Thru 33 Predictions

 After a disappointing loss to Columbus, and an invigorating win over the Islanders, the team should be encouraged to play better hockey.

Oct 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes right wing Tobias Rieder (8) skates around the net as he is pursued by Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Matt Hunwick (2) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

** Here are the Howlin’ Hockey Editor’s Predictions for the Arizona Coyotes games the week of 12-20-15 to 12-26-15

• Game 32: Toronto Maple Leafs at Arizona Coyotes – December 22, 2015

When these two teams met on October 26, 2015 Max Domi experienced a dream come true by playing his first official NHL game at Air Canada Centre. He didn’t waste any time by scoring the first Arizona Coyotes’ goal in the first period. After Kyle Chipchura gave the team a 4-1 lead, the Coyotes faltered a bit and almost allowed the surging Maple Leafs back in the game. The Toronto team scored at 9:05, and 17:34 of the final stanza, to almost complete a comeback.

Head Coach Dave Tippett had nothing but praise for the play of Domi. Tippett told Mike Brophy of NHL.com:

"”He plays a real dynamic games and he’s tenacious. The thing we have been telling him to try to do is shoot the the puck more. He’s got a great shoe, forehand and backhand. It’s a really good story right now for an unbelievable kid. There is a lot of pressure and spotlight on him, and he’s handled it well.”"

The Maple Leafs have gone 10-8-5 since that last game against the Arizona Coyotes. They don’t seem to have much luck with games going into overtime or a shootout. They are 3-4 in shootouts, and 0-3 in overtime losses. They also made quick work of the L.A. Kings on December 19, 2015 by slamming them 5-0. Don’t take them for granted… it looks like that’s what the Kings did.

The Arizona Coyotes just don’t need to worry about getting into an overtime game with the Maples Leafs by continuing their improved play they exhibited against the tough Eastern Conference New York Islanders. Louis Domingue shut them out, and may get the call again, since Anders Lindback did not especially play too well in his first goaltending start as the number one net minder.

The Maple Leafs are led by center Leo Komarov, who has 13 goals and eights assists in 31 games. The Leafs don’t seem to especially miss their premier scorer Phil Kessel, whom they traded away to Pittsburgh. He’s really not doing much with Pittsburgh, with just nine goals, nine assists in 32 games there.

The Arizona Coyotes need to continue their much improved defensive play against the Maple Leafs, and this game should be a gimme. Look for Max Domi, who has just two points in his last five games to come up big. He may just get his first NHL hat trick.

Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 5, Toronto Maple Leafs 1

Nov 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save in the second period of the game against the Arizona Coyotes at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

• Game 33: Los Angeles Kings at Arizona Coyotes – December 26, 2015

I don’t know about you, but playing the Los Angeles Kings is always a treat. The Arizona Coyotes just seem to really get up for these games against their southern California foes. And, for good reason. The Yotes are undefeated against both the Ducks and the Kings. The Domi/Hanzal connection seems to have the Kings number thus far in this 2015-16 season.

In the season opener on October 9, 2015 in L.A., Domi has a goal and an assist including this wicked shot for his first NHL goal:

Then, about a month later Martin Hanzal scored two of the Arizona Coyotes’ three goals to help lift them over the Kings again.

Do you think the Kings are going to be out for some revenge, I do. The issue here may be who will be in the net for the Coyotes. Will it be Anders Lindback, or will it be Louis Domingue? It doesn’t really matter as long as they stop the Kings guns like Tyler Toffoli, and Jeff Carter who seems to kill the Coyotes when they play them. The Kings have won seven of their last 10, and that includes some close games where they have won three overtime games, while losing just one, and a shootout win over the Penguins.

You can’t allow the Kings to grab an early lead, or they will bury you, so you must strike first like the Arizona Coyotes did in their season opener. Taking a 4-0 lead in that game is the way to beat the Los Angeles Kings.

Then, take into consideration that Jonathan Quick is playing pretty well again this season, with a 17-8-1 record, a save percentage of .920, and a GAA of 2.19. It won’t be easy, especially with the Arizona Coyotes’ goaltending issues, and weak defense.

This game could really turn around the Coyotes’ homestead in that if they beat the Maple Leafs and Kings. They still have to play the Blackhawks on the 29th, and the Jets on New Years Eve to finish the home games for this month. Throw in a road game against the Av’s on the 27th, and the team will face some stiff competition. And, maybe that’s a good thing to see what this team is really made of, and if they can play tough against the tougher teams… without Mike Smith.

Look for Hanzal and Domi to pace the offense, and maybe even Viktor Tikhonov to upshift his level of play. This one is going to be good. If you can’t decide whether to go to the Kings game or the Blackhawks game, here’s a solution: GO TO BOTH !

Prediction: Los Angeles Kings 4, Arizona Coyotes 3