The Arizona Coyotes could use a good performance tonight in Buffalo, because their last two outings have been anything but confidence-inspiring.
Last night in Detroit, the Coyotes were outshot 44-27 and lost 5-1. That came on the heels of Tuesday’s defeat in Nashville, where they were outshot 41-15 and lost 5-2.
“I mean, the mistakes we’re making are just inexcusable,” coach Dave Tippett told the Arizona Republic after the Red Wings game.
To illustrate, here was last night’s opening goal, which came after a giveaway by Oliver Ekman-Larsson:
And here was the goal that made it 2-0:
That was young Max Domi getting stepped around by Niklas Kronwall. (Note to Mikkel Boedker: that’s why you never turn your back on the puck.)
Seconds later, the Red Wings made it 3-0:
That one got Mike Smith pulled.
Which gave Anders Lindback the opportunity to make his own blunder in the third:
So yeah, tough night for the Coyotes.
On the bright side, they’re still in a playoff spot. And with the Ducks stuck in neutral and the Canucks seemingly on the verge of collapse, there’s no reason to get too discouraged. Third place in the Pacific Division remains very much up for grabs.
The Coyotes play tonight in Buffalo, Sunday in Carolina and wrap up their five-game road trip Tuesday in St. Louis.