The Arizona Coyotes (1-2, 1-2 PL 2-1 O/U) battle the Montreal Canadiens (2-2, 2-2 PL 0-3 O/U) in an inter-conference bout on Thursday night. The Coyotes recorded their first win in a road triumph against the Maple Leafs on Monday. The Canadiens posted a home win against the Penguins in their previous action on Monday night. The Canadiens went 2-0 against the Coyotes last season.
The Arizona Coyotes continue the lengthy six-game road trip to begin the season. They lost their opening two games of the season against the Penguins and Bruins. Next, they stunned a strong Maple Leafs squad with a 4-2 road win on Monday night for their first victory. Arizona is a young rebuilding team that is going to struggle to win games. A last-place finish is likely.
Shayne Gostibehere is enjoying a productive opening string of games. The veteran has already collected five points in four games, remarkable considering he is a defenseman. and is logging a ton of ice, averaging 23 minutes per game. Clayton Keller is considered one of the best players on this Coyotes squad. The 24-year-old winger has a goal and an assist so far. Keller collected 63 points in 67 games last season and was productive against Montreal, netting four points in the two mee tings. J.J. Moser has been a bright spot, amassing three points. The 22-year-old defenseman had 15 points in his 2021-2022 rookie season and has been one of their best players.
Kells ?? Ghost ?? pic.twitter.com/cyZj4YiZmR
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) October 18, 2022
The Coyotes have a decent goalie in Karel Vejmelka. The 26-year-old is pelted with several shots and posted an .898 save % last year. He has logged a 4.35 GAA and an .894 save % as a result. Backup Connor Ingram has yet to play. Arizona is averaging 3 goals per game, ranking them 21st. They are allowing an average of 4.7 goals, positioning them 28th in the league.