The Arizona Coyotes will look to get back on track tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. Following a bad loss yesterday a win is necessary to bounce back.
Before last night’s game, Arizona had been on a four-game win streak. However, following a four-goal loss to the defending presidents’ trophy winner our winning ways are in jeopardy.
I know losing one game to a team that is on an 8 game win streak shouldn’t be that big of a deal, but I still am kind of worried. Arizona has been kind of a streaky team this season. What I mean by that is they win 3 or 4 games, but then lose 2 or 3. I don’t want that to happen now. We can lose the occasional game in our tough contest for the Pacific Division crown, but that does not change the fact that we need our best effort night in and night out.
Arizona’s next task will be the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that before beating Philadelphia a few nights ago was 0-3. They are looking to get back on track as well when the puck drops tonight, so we have to come out ready to play!
The good thing for the Coyotes is a few players will be back in the lineup. Craig Morgan of The Athletic reported that Antti Raanta and Michael Grabner will be back in the lineup tonight.
Antti Raanta will start in goal for the Coyotes tonight when they face the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) January 10, 2020
Forward Michael Grabner will also return to the lineup after missing the past five games as a healthy scratch. He replaces Christian Fischer.
Raanta will be a sight for sore eyes, as the team can desperately need him back in the net, no wall we need is Darcy Kuemper back in the lineup and I will be smiling from ear to ear. Tonight offers a unique challenge for Raanta and the defense.
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The Hurricanes can score goals in many different ways. They can beat you with their forwards, or they can hammer the puck past you from the blue line. I think that is the number one thing I am worried about for the Coyotes tonight. We need to limit the traffic in front of the net and try and block shots as much as possible. Otherwise, Raanta will be forced to make a lot of incredible saves tonight.
Outside of that Arizona needs to continue to play their system and hope that it will work. At some point tonight they will catch the Hurricanes sleeping, as long as they play the right way of course. Getting the first goal is important, and hopefully one of the players that need to step up will score it.