Arizona Coyotes Games 35 Thru 38 Predictions

Nov 21, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien (33) is hit by Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) during the third period at MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

These two Western Conference teams met about a month ago, with the Jets coming away victorious, 3-2. The Arizona Coyotes scored two power play goals in this game, and they need to improve their dismal 16.13 per cent power play success rate. The Jets are not a good defending team, but have improved that of late. They rank 24th in the NHL giving up 104 goals, or 2.97 goals a game. They have lost six of their last 10 games, so this will be a game the Arizona Coyotes should prevail in, and come out with a W.

The one player to shut down (and they did just that in the last meeting) is Blake Wheeler, who has 35 points in 34 games, at this writing. He’s big, he loves to play against the team he scorned by not signing with them, and he is tough to stop.

Another primary player for the Jets to watch will be Dustin Byfuglien. He scored the tying goal in the last game he faced the Coyotes, and is another player who likes to intimidate his opponent, like Wheeler. If the Arizona Coyotes can contain these two (no easy undertaking), they should have a good opportunity to end the 2015 year with a victory.

Seeing as how the Arizona Coyotes will go back out on the road after this game for the annual Western Canada jaunt, they need to end the month and year on a high-note. The fact that the Jets are battling the Coyotes for a wild-card playoff position, only adds to the entertainment value of this contest.

This may be a start for Louis Domingue again, but it seems that whomever wins in net against the Chicago Blackhawks (if that happens) will be  the starting goaltender.

Prediction: Arizona Coyotes 5, Winnipeg Jets 2

Next: Arizona Coyotes at Edmonton Oilers - January 2, 2016