February 22, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. MST | Mullett Arena, Tempe, Ariz.
TV: Bally Sports Arizona | Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (English), KHOV105.1 FM (Spanish)
The Arizona Coyotes’ nine-game point streak — currently the longest active streak in the NHL — will be tested Wednesday night at Mullett Arena against the Calgary Flames.
The Coyotes last beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 into overtime on Sunday and are 5-0-4 in their last 10 games. Her record at Mullett Arena was equally impressive, posting a 13-8-2 mark at home, including four straight wins.
Arizona’s tandem of Karel Wejmelka And Connor Ingram has actually developed exceptionally well in the current phase. Vejmelka was drawn against the LA Kings in his last start but had a record of 4-0-1 in his previous starts before that. Ingram, on the other hand, is 2-0-1 in his last three appearances, and his 47 saves against the Tampa Bay Lightning set a new record for the number of saves by a goaltender in his first career shutout.
While no starting lineups were available yet, Vejmelka is expected to get the nod against the Flames tonight and is 9-4-2 at home this season, a 2.77 clean sheet average and a .920 save at home.
“We played well”, forward Jack McBain called. “Our goalkeepers have been fantastic, they keep us in many games and give us the chance to win, that’s all you could ask for.”
Wednesday’s game marks the second of three meetings between Arizona and Calgary. The Flames won 3-2 in Calgary on December 5 and the two meet again in Tempe on March 14.
The Coyotes’ power play has improved greatly in recent weeks as they have scored four goals with man advantage and converted 36 percent of their chances in their last five games. The penalty was up to the task with an 89 percent success rate in the last 10 games (34 to 38).
Player to watch: Forward Travis Boyd has accumulated four points in his last four games, including goals in two consecutive games. The 29-year-old has 21 points in 57 games this season.
OVER THE FLAMES
Calgary is a bona fide bubble playoff contender right now, four points away from second and last wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Flames have led 2-2-1 in their last five games, most recently 3-4 at home to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.
They have the ninth best penalty in the league at 81.59 percent but convert just 18.99 percent of their power play opportunities, which ranks 25th.
Calgary also nets often and ranks second in the league for shots on goal.
“They’re going to throw pucks in the net, they’re going to want to throw bodies in the net,” said Coyotes coach André Tourigny. “Big guys are going to drive the net to get rebounds and bumpy goals, so we have to be ready and willing to fight for those rebounds and those broken plays around the net.”
Tyler Toffoli leads with 49 points and 23 goals, while Elias Lindholm’s 33 assists top the team. Goalie Jacob Markstrom is 15-14-7 with 2.93 GAA and 0.889 SV% while Dan Vladar is 11-6-4 with 2.84 GAA and 0.901 SV%.
Vladar found the net in Calgary’s first meeting with Arizona and saved 18 of 20 shots en route to a 3-2 win.
Player to watch: Center Mikael Backlund has two goals and three assists in his last three games and has had two consecutive two-point performances. The 33-year-old has played 883 games in his career and has 21 points in 41 games against the Coyotes.
