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Coyotes to Carry Momentum Against Predators

By Scott Thompson

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 07: Jordan Oesterle #82 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates with teammates Nick Cousins #25, Kevin Connauton #44 and Christian Fischer #36 after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Gila River Arena on February 7, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 07: Jordan Oesterle #82 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates with teammates Nick Cousins #25, Kevin Connauton #44 and Christian Fischer #36 after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Gila River Arena on February 7, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Coyotes hope to force their aggressive, swarming style of offense upon the Nashville Predators when the Preds visit Gila River Arena tonight at 7:00 p.m. to celebrate “Noche de los Yotes.”

The Yotes pressured the Winnipeg Jets’ defense throughout Tuesday night’s clash, enabling them to light the lamp four times in sixty minutes.

“Los Yotes” plan to do more of the same against the Predators (4-2-0), who beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5 to 2 on Tuesday night behind the usual solid goaltending of Pekka Rinne.

Keeping the puck in their offensive end is a must if the Coyotes hope to minimize the scoring opportunities of players like Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, and Kyle Turris. The Preds have no shortage of goal scorers and their defensive group is as solid as they come in the NHL.

As a result, sustaining pressure in the offensive zone and establishing their forechecking early on is critical to the Coyotes success tonight.

Hard charging Coyotes such as Conor Garland, Nick Schmaltz, Christian Dvorak, and Vinnie Hinostroza are certainly up to the task of cycling through the offensive zone and wreaking havoc upon the Predators’ defense. Although Phil Kessel is still seeking his first goal as a Coyote, his leadership on the ice is obvious and his ability to make pinpoint passes is unparalleled.

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