Opinion
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Can the Arizona Coyotes Tame the Carolina Hurricanes at Mullett Arena?

As the Arizona Coyotes gear up to host the Carolina Hurricanes at Mullett Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can harness the momentum from their recent performances. The Coyotes have shown a mix of resilience and vulnerability in their past games, which sets up an intriguing encounter against a formidable Hurricanes squad.


Mar 3, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Juuso Valimaki (4) passes the puck by Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) during the first period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back at their last game on December 24th against the Colorado Avalanche, it was a tough outing for the Coyotes. Despite putting up 25 shots and landing 19 hits, they only managed to find the back of the net once, finishing with a shooting percentage of just four percent. Their powerplay capitalized on one out of three opportunities but overall faced challenges in converting chances into goals. The faceoff circle was also an area of concern as they won only 43 percent of those encounters.


However, not all is bleak for ARI fans. In an earlier game on December 22nd against San Jose Sharks, Arizona showcased what they're capable of when things click into place. They scored five goals from 30 shots – translating to an impressive shooting percentage of seventeen percent – and dominated in powerplays by scoring once out of three chances with a faceoff win percentage standing strong at fifty-one percent.


Mar 3, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta (32) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The most recent home game for ARI on December 20th saw them triumph over Ottawa Senators with four goals from thirty-eight shots and winning fifty-four percent of faceoffs. This victory was built upon solid defense that blocked thirteen shots and goaltending that saved nineteen out of twenty-two shots.


The upcoming clash will test whether ARI can replicate this kind of performance against CAR's robust lineup. The Hurricanes come into this match as no easy adversary; they'll be looking to assert themselves early on away from home soil.


Mar 3, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller (9) skates the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

For ARI to emerge victorious, it's crucial that they improve their efficiency both in shooting and faceoffs while maintaining discipline to avoid unnecessary penalties which could shift momentum towards CAR’s favor.


Fans should expect an intense battle where every shift counts and special teams could very well make or break the outcome for either side. It will be essential for ARI players like Clayton Keller and Jakob Chychrun to step up big time if they wish to send their fans home happy.


Mark your calendars for February 16th when these two teams collide under Tempe's lights at Mullett Arena starting at 9:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time). For those unable to attend in person, you can catch all action live via ESPN+ nationally or SCRIPPS locally within Arizona; Carolina-based fans can tune into BSSO channel number 646-1.

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