Arizona Coyotes to be tested in the absence of Darcy Kuemper

No Arizona Coyotes player has had a bigger impact than Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper has been the Arizona Coyotes backbone all season, doing whatever is necessary to win game in and game out.

The Arizona Coyotes will be left to face their biggest test this season, as they will need to rely on Antti Raanta and Adin Hill, who was called up from the AHL yesterday. Although Raanta has been playing great this season, losing Kuemper hurts the team.

Darcy Kuemper has been the backbone of the Arizona Coyotes for a long time now. We have spoken in the past about how he fills the role of the team’s “yes man“. Raanta and Kuemper have been playing great for the Coyotes, and Kuemper has been the starter for the team in that position. Kuemper has helped the ‘Yotes steal games from opponents and keep the team on top of the standings. Against Minnesota, things did not work out though.

Arizona lost against the Wild at home during their last game on Thursday night, but the loss showed up more than just on the final score. Kuemper got hurt in the game and is out week to week with an expected groin injury on this play.

Antti Raanta can help Arizona win, but I hope the team does not miss the presence Darcy Kuemper added to the team. Kuemper is a player that stands up for his teammates, and he is one of the best goalies in the league this year. Here is hoping the team can limit the scoring chances against in his absence.

Arizona might have to rely on some offensive play in Kuemper’s absence. I am not trying to say that Kuemper carried the defense, rather his absence will take away the Coyotes bail out on bad plays in the defensive zone. Now we will see what the team is made of.

As long the team continues to play well within their system, and they continue to get contributions from all players in their lineup they should be fine. Here is hoping Antti Raanta does not get hurt anytime soon.