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Arizona Coyotes : Keys to the game against Senators

By Jim Lynch

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Phil Kessel #81 of the Arizona Coyotes talks with Brad Richardson #15 while sitting on the bench during a stop in play against the Nashville Predators at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 17: Phil Kessel #81 of the Arizona Coyotes talks with Brad Richardson #15 while sitting on the bench during a stop in play against the Nashville Predators at Gila River Arena on October 17, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Coyotes will play yet another hockey game tonight. I would say tonight’s matchup against the 1-4-1 Ottawa Senators would be a cakewalk, but hey Nashville lost to LA last week so anything can happen.

I can not wait for today’s game. I think it is a great opportunity for Antti Raanta to play, and save Darcy Kuemper for Tuesday’s game against the Rangers. There are also a lot of players I am excited to see step up tonight.

Now I do not know if Raanta is getting the start over Kuemper, I would just assume so. Arizona is not the best team offensively, or defensively for that matter. They finished the season in last place last season, so do not expect much from them.

Tonight’s game is a game that the Arizona Coyotes can lose by not playing their game of hockey against a weak opponent. I want to see all 4 lines going, and I want to see a great game defensively.

I was going to talk about specific players on Ottawa that will pose a threat to the Coyotes tonight, but considering the Coyotes won both games against Ottawa last season I almost want to throw this one into the win column already.

I know, that would jinx the team, so instead let’s give the 3 keys of tonight’s game that need to happen for the Coyotes to win.

Key 3 – Don’t get hurt

Niklas Hjalmarsson and Jordan Oesterle have already fallen to injuries. I do not want to see anyone else fall. Could you imagine the type of turmoil that would ensue if a player like Phil Kessel falls to an injury or a Darcy Kuemper? No thank you, Arizona no thanks.

Key 2 – Play smart and stay disciplined

We do not need any heroes against a team like Ottawa. The Coyotes need to play smart systematically and they will win the game. I mean they need to get on pucks in the neutral zone and continue to pursue the puck all night. The rush will be key to finding a victory against Ottawa which brings me to my last key.

Key 1 – Continue to score goals

Tonight’s game should be a great night to practice some offensive plays. Obviously, we want the Coyotes to play smart and stay disciplined but that does not mean not taking a chance every once in a while if the time and space allow it.

I think Phil Kessel could use another couple of goals, and Nick Schmaltz could benefit from continuing his nice little scoring streak. Of course, we won’t find out until tonight.

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Game Logistics

Date: 10/19/19
Time: 4 PM Pacific
Where: Gila River Arena
TV Broadcast: FOX Sports Arizona
Radio: 910 AM
Live Streaming: ESPN+

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