Opinion
3 min read

Coyotes Seek Redemption in St. Paul Showdown with Wild

As the Arizona Coyotes prepare to face off against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center, fans are bracing for what could be a pivotal moment in their season. The Coyotes have had a tumultuous run of games, and this upcoming battle on January 14th is more than just another date on the calendar—it's an opportunity for redemption.


Mar 27, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA;  Arizona Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) defends in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Coyotes hit the ice, they suffered a disheartening 6-2 defeat at home against the Calgary Flames. Despite delivering 28 hits and blocking 10 shots, their efforts were overshadowed by giveaways and penalties that cost them dearly. The team's shooting percentage was a mere six percent—a stark contrast to their opponents' twenty percent—and they won only forty-one percent of faceoffs.


However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for ARI in recent outings. In an electrifying overtime victory against the Boston Bruins on January 10th, they showcased resilience and offensive prowess by netting four goals from thirty-six shots—an eleven percent shooting success rate—and winning forty-two percent of faceoffs. This performance was a testament to their ability to bounce back from adversity.


Against Winnipeg Jets on January 8th, ARI faced similar challenges as with Calgary—struggling with puck possession as evidenced by fourteen giveaways and losing fifty-two percent of faceoffs—but managed to put up a strong fight despite falling short with two goals from seventeen shots.


The key takeaway from these past performances is inconsistency—a trait that can make or break teams in crucial moments. As they head into enemy territory against MIN, who will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on any sign of weakness, ARI must tighten up defensively while finding ways to convert opportunities into goals more efficiently.


The Coyotes' goaltending has been commendable; however, it needs support from skaters both offensively and defensively if they are going to outplay MIN at Xcel Energy Center. Special teams will play a significant role too—the powerplay unit must step up after failing to score during one opportunity against Calgary.


Fans can expect an intense matchup where every shift counts. The Arizona Coyotes have shown flashes of brilliance this season but need consistency if they hope to emerge victorious in St. Paul.


Mark your calendars for January 14th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time when ARI seeks redemption against MIN at Xcel Energy Center—fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ nationally or tune into BSN (channel 668) or BSWIX (channel 669-1) depending upon your locale or watch via SCRIPPS network if you're cheering from away territory.

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