© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
One day before Thanksgiving, the Arizona Coyotes (8-8-2) conclude a two-game home stretch tonight by hosting the St. Louis Blues (9-7-1) at Mullett Arena at 7 p.m.
After finishing their three-game series against the Los Angeles Kings with a 4-1 loss on November 20Arizona will have two more against the Blues after having already split two games in St. Louis this season, 1-1.
The Coyotes initially managed to crush St. Louis 6-2 thanks to nine different point scorers, including two from defenseman Sean Durzi and left winger Clayton Keller.
Then the Blues played tight defensively and wiped out almost any chance Arizona had to score by beating the ‘Yotes 2-1 on November 9.
What makes this matchup even more important is the fact that both teams are hovering around playoff spots.
It’s early, but St-Louis finds itself in fourth place with 19 points in the Central division while the Coyotes are fifth with 18 points.
Additionally, Arizona can move ahead of the Blues into fourth place tonight as there is only one point difference.
However, St. Louis has a game in hand over the ‘Yotes.
Will the Coyotes be able to orchestrate the right pieces and defeat the Blues?
Here’s everything you need to know before the two teams face off in Tempe tonight:
In a game of this magnitude, the Coyotes offense must bury its opportunities because they might not come again.
Previously, Arizona had only managed to score three goals in its last two games against the Kings and Winnipeg Jets.
Especially against Los Angeles, the Coyotes had several breakaways and chances, but only managed to score one goal on 31 shots on goal.
Looking at the stats, the sticking point was that the Kings killed all six power play opportunities Arizona had.
However, this could be called an outlier since the ‘Yotes are still the sixth best team in man advantage this season with a 26.9% conversion rate and Los Angeles’ penalty kill is second highest in the NHL. with 90.2%.
Keller remains the leader of the Coyotes with 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 18 games.
Since Keller had a five-game point streak in Winnipeg, he hasn’t had one since.
Additionally, goaltender Karel Vejmelka will start tonight after Connor Ingram was in net against Los Angeles.
Once out indefinitely, Arizona defenseman Juuso Välimäki is now listed as “day to day” after being hit in the face by a shot against the Dallas Stars on November 14.
Blues notes
As for the Blues, they achieved a 1-2 record in three games against all the Californian teams in the league:
The time of the blues in California
- 5-1 L against the San Jose Sharks, November 16.
- 5-1 L against the Los Angeles Kings, November 18.
- 3-1 W at Anaheim Ducks, November 19.
With two days off, St. Louis should be fresh and ready to go tonight.
Center Robert Thomas was by far the best player for the Blues with 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 17 games.
Even though they are ahead of Arizona, St. Louis is currently the second worst team on the power play as they are posting a dismal 7.7% and only have 4 goals with the extra man.
Despite their inconsistency and a zero goal differential, the Blues are still 6-4 in their last 10 games.
Indeed, goalkeeper Jordan Binnington is having a rebound season this year.
After going 27-27-6 with a 3.31 goals-against average and .894 save percentage last campaign, Binnington is currently 5-5-1 with a more respectable save percentage. of 0.922 and a GAA of 2.47.
Coyotes focus on special teams during practice ahead of game against Blues
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter for the Coyotes and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his account @AlecCipollini
