The Arizona Coyotes are set to face-off with struggling New York Islanders
By Jim Lynch
Neither the Arizona Coyotes or New York Islanders have been that great in their past ten games, but today they have a new opportunity to change their fate!
The Arizona Coyotes are going to be facing off against the New York Islanders at home today. Neither team has been perfect. The Coyotes are 3-4-3 in their past ten games, while the Islanders are 5-3-2, and are currently on a two-game losing streak.
The Islanders need a win today to secure two points in one of the toughest divisions in hockey, the Metropolitan. If they fail to get a point tonight they will be at risk of the Carolina Hurricanes, who currently sit outside of the playoffs, tying their point total if they beat the Nashville Predators tomorrow.
Things are tough in the east and this game matters to the Islanders, but it also matters to the Coyotes. I know we talked about how the Coyotes are going to need to rely on other teams losing to make the playoffs a while ago. While that is true, they also need to do their part and win most of their games the rest of the way.
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The Coyotes are going to need everyone to beat the Islanders today. Starting the game strong has been vital to getting a victory and I believe that is going to continue. Phil Kessel managed to score a power-play goal to help lift the Coyotes past the Capitals. That goal showed the importance of special teams to steal a game, we are going to need a goal like that again today.
Do not expect to see Darcy Kuemper in the net today, but that will not stop Antti Raanta or Adin Hill from putting up a great performance for the Arizona Coyotes. The two goalies have been great in the last few weeks. Raanta was vital for the Coyotes getting a win against the Capitals and for sending home Alex DeBrincat without a goal.
Here is to a great team effort today for the Coyotes to top the New York Islanders. This game is going to feature two teams that pride themselves on their defensive system. So finding a way to get the puck in the back of the net is going to be the team’s main goal. Do not expect this one to be particularly high scoring thanks to great goaltending and defense, instead, I think this is going to be close down to the final whistle.
Alright, I am calling Nick Schmaltz to get the team their first goal. Comment down below who you think is going to find the back of the net for the Coyotes!