A busy night in the NHL is highlighted by the Arizona Coyotes‘ once-a-year trip to Toronto. Here is what we’ll be watching for.
Matthews plays the team that inspired him
Toronto Maple Leafs super rookie Auston Matthews will play the Arizona Coyotes, the team that fuelled the first-overall draft pick’s hockey dreams, for the first time Thursday night.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Matthews, the Leafs’ leading goal-getter. “It will be pretty cool after watching guys such as [Shane] Doan growing up. He’s still playing. That will be pretty special.”
The Coyotes are a struggling group, and talented sophomore Max Domi won’t be in the lineup due to a hand injury suffered in a fight.
But Arizona is coming off a big win in Detroit and holds a dominating record of 10-1-1 against Toronto since 2005-06.
Thursday will also mark the return of centre Peter Holland, who fell out of favour with Toronto coach Mike Babcock and was shipped off to the desert last week for a conditional draft pick.
Centering Arizona’s third line with Jordan Martinook and Jamie McGinn, Holland put up two points versus the Red Wings in his Coyotes debut and will no doubt be looking to show his old club they gave away a good player.
Like Toronto, Arizona is flush with youth. The freshman defence pairing of Anthony DeAngelo and Jakob Chychrun have already combined for 14 points.
Panthers, Jets try to get on winning track
You’d be hard pressed to find two colder teams than the Jets and Panthers, who are set to do battle in chilly Winnipeg Thursday.
Losers of four straight, the Jets are well rested after a few days off and have an opportunity to find their stride against a Florida club that is reeling since head coach Gerard Gallant was fired eight games ago.
After losing to the red-hot Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, the Cats are 2-3-3 since GM Tom Rowe hopped behind the bench.
“Guys have got to understand, if you’re going to play in the National Hockey League, you got to show up every day,” Rowe told the Miami Herald. “You can’t show up when you feel like it.”
Tensions are rising in Florida, as confusion surrounds the front office.
Panthers goalie James Reimer, who’s from Morweena, makes a homecoming. Reimer has struggled as Roberto Luongo’s backup, posting a 2.96 goals against average and .896 save percentage.
The Jets’ goaltending has been equally spotty. Young Connor Hellebuyck (.907 save percentage) and Michael Hutchinson (.896) haven’t played well enough to keep Winnipeg in the playoff hunt.
Also worth watching: Patrik Laine, who leads all rookies in scoring, will attempt to score in the Panthers’ net instead of his own.
