Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas – Divisional Round
Two Central Division and Western Conference rivals face off on the ice Saturday when the Arizona Coyotes (14-26-5, 33 7th Central) visit the Lone Star State to play the Dallas Stars (27-13-7, 61 points, 1st Central). Arizona was defeated by the Washington Capitals 4-0. On Thursday, following a victory over Winnipeg 2-1 on Tuesday. Arizona has lost 10 of the last 11. Division leading Dallas defeated the LA Kings 4-0 on Thursday night, one night after blowing a lead of three goals and losing to the San Diego Sharks 5-3. Arizona will play without Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little, Liam O’Brien and Matias Maccelli. Roope Hintz is questionable for Dallas.
Arizona is scoring an average of just 2.60 goals per game, which is 28th in the NHL. The Coyotes are last in shots, averaging only 25.1 shots per game. The power play for Arizona is 25th in the league, scoring 19.3% of the time the Coyotes have the man advantage. Lawson Crouse, who is questionable for Saturday, is the leading goal scorer for Arizona with 16, while Clayton Keller has scored 15 goals. Keller is the leader in assists with 23 and the overall points leader with 38. Arizona has scored 26 goals on the power play in 45 games.
Arizona is allowing an average of 3.62 goals per game which is 26th in the NHL. Opponents are averaging 34.1 shots per game against Arizona which is 29th. The Coyotes’ penalty kill unit is successfully holding opponents scoreless 73.2% of the time Arizona is shorthanded which is 28th . Karel Vejmelka is 11-17-4 with a 3.36 goals against average and .902 save percentage. Backup Connor Ingram is 3-9-1 with a 3.67 goals against average and .892 save percentage.