The Arizona Coyotes (7-6-2) face the struggling-Columbus Blue Jackets (4-8-4) at Nationwide Arena in Ohio this evening at 5:00 p.m. MST.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Previously, Arizona clawed their way back into the game against the Dallas Stars on Nov. 14 as the ‘Yotes grabbed a lead with about five minutes left.
However, the Coyotes gave up a late goal in the third and another 0:42 into overtime to eventually lose 4-3 versus the Stars.
So far, Arizona have picked up three points out of a possible-six through three games during this five-game roadtrip they are on currently.
In contrast, Columbus have lost their last six contests.
Additionally, the Blue Jackets hold a record of 1-7-3 in their past 11 games.
Two days ago, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby scored a hat-trick and added an assist to power his team to a 5-3 win over Columbus.
Knowing that the Blue Jackets are in a funk, the Coyotes have to capitalize and seize every opportunity they can get tonight to put two more points towards the standings.
Here is all you need to know before Arizona and Columbus go to battle in Northeast Ohio:
Pregame Notes
Scoring in their last game, Coyotes left wing Clayton Keller is continuing to lead the team in points with 16 in 15 games (7 goals, 9 assists).
Even though it hasn’t been announced, Arizona goaltender Connor Ingram should be the starter tonight.
‘Yotes head coach André Tourigny has split the games 50/50 with Ingram and Karel Vejmelka.
With Vejmelka having a heavy workload when he faced 36 shots from Dallas two nights ago, Ingram is the probable No. 1 against Columbus.
On the other side, Columbus have a five-way tie with players having 9 points: captain Boone Jenner, forward Kirrill Marchenko, rookie Adam Fantilli and defensemen Ivan Provorov and Zach Werenski.
In terms of goals, Jenner has the most out of any Blue Jacket as he has 7 in 16 games.
After signing a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with Columbus on Jul. 13, 2022, left wing Johnny Gaudreau has yet to meet expectations.
Just two years ago with the Calgary Flames, “Johnny Hockey” had 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points in 82 games.
Since the 2021-22 season, Gaudreau’s numbers dipped to 74 points in 80 games in his first campaign as a Blue Jacket last year.
Now, Gaudreau is off to a slow start with one goal and five assists in 16 games this season.
As a result, there have been instances where he was benched for an extended period of time because of his play.
History and Injury Report
Last season, Arizona were 2-0 against the Blue Jackets.
On Oct. 25, 2022, Keller had three assists in a 6-3 victory for the Coyotes in Nationwide Arena.
Then, ‘Yotes left wing Matias Maccelli would set-up center Barrett Hayton for a one-timer to win the game 3-2 in overtime inside Mullett Arena on Feb. 19.
The Coyotes will be without center Jack McBain (lower body) and defenseman Travis Dermott (upper body) against Columbus.
Arizona may also be missing defenseman Juuso Välimäki (undisclosed) as he took a puck to the face and rushed off the ice in their game in Dallas, but Välimäki’s injury status has not be clarified by the Coyotes at the time of reporting.
Blue Jackets center Jack Roslovic was put on injured reserve two days ago after fracturing an ankle. Roslovic’s timeline is 4-6 weeks.
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Alec Cipollini is an insider of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
