The Arizona Coyotes suffered a major blow to their lineup, but the panic button shouldn’t be spammed just yet as they have others who can contribute.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Last night against the Calgary Flames, forward Nick Schmaltz went down with an injury, though the specification and the extent of his situation is unclear.
#Coyotes F Nick Schmaltz has went to the locker room as the second period is about to wrap up. Arizona Coyotes 1-0 Calgary Flames. #Yotes #NHL #Flames
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) January 17, 2024
Reflecting on what transpired in the 3-2 overtime loss, head coach André Tourigny said Schmaltz is out day-to-day and questionable for tomorrow vs. the Vancouver Canucks.
Defenseman Sean Durzi and Head Coach André Tourigny Speak to the Media Following Tonight's Game vs the Calgary Flames ⤵️https://t.co/xNlHmavG5i
— Arizona Coyotes PR (@AZCoyotesPR) January 17, 2024
Information will come out sooner rather than later of what happened to the Coyotes’ star, but there are other players that they could rely upon if Schmaltz’s injury is more serious than first thought.
Options Aplenty
With Schamltz’s absence, Matias Maccelli was implemented on the wing alongside Clayton Keller and Jack McBain on the first line last night. Maccelli holds the second-highest point total on the ‘Yotes with 29 (7 goals, 22 assists) in 42 games.
Matias Maccelli now will slot next to Clayton Keller and Jack McBain on the #Coyotes first line with Nick Schmaltz out of the lineup currently. Arizona Coyotes 1-0 Calgary Flames. #Yotes #NHL #Flames
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) January 17, 2024
Arizona will most likely resort to Maccelli because of his offensive output, but they could experiment with Logan Cooley, Lawson Crouse, Jason Zucker or even Dylan Guenther.
Cooley has recently transitioned from center to the wing, posting three points in his last four games. He scored a goal last night and had two breakaways against the Flames.
Crouse and Zucker add physicality and a veteran presence to the Coyotes, and have experience playing on the first line at separate moments of the season.
As for Guenther, he is a wildcard. Being called up almost two weeks ago, his promotion from the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) to Arizona has seen him integrated onto the first line power play unit and could do so 5-on-5.
The Coyotes clash with the Canucks tomorrow night who are tied for first place in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets.
Once Schmaltz’s injury status is official, Burn City Sports will keep you up-to-date.
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Alec Cipollini is a reporter of the Arizona Coyotes and Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @AlecCipollini
