5 Arizona Coyotes games to look forward to this season
By Nick McAdam
Times are starting to get exciting within the Arizona Coyotes organization. With the schedule for the 2018-19 season known, it’s time to take a look at matchups that will catch the eye in the desert.
The potential is showing in Arizona. The Coyotes being the team that could be good in a few years is now starting to turn into a real scenario for the upcoming season. With John Chayka making several additions to the team, a new and refreshed lineup should bring a new touch of scoring, defense and hopefully some great goaltending.
The dog days of summer are the time to be optimistic, especially with the offseason that the Coyotes have had. Several sources including CBS Sports gave Arizona a great grade for the summer; one of the best in the NHL, in fact.
As a result, the schedule that was released long ago starts to look that much better. Games are being scheduled on calendars, and that pipe dream of a playoff run for the Coyotes might come closer to reality.
Yet, which of those games are the most important? The quick answer would be the full 82 games on the sheet, but five of those really stand out above the rest. Of course, if you think that other Coyotes games are far more important than the ones mentioned on this list, then feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
5. Arizona Coyotes vs. Anaheim Ducks: Oct. 6, 2018
This always sounds a bit redundant, but the home opener is always something special within any NHL franchise. The building always seems close to full, and supporters get a good sense of where the season is heading right off the bat.
Yet, this game is something more than the home opener. October is the do or die month for most teams in the league. Sinking too far down in the standings sets the tone for the rest of the campaign. Not to mention, it will be very hard trying to climb out of said hole.
The Coyotes open on the road against the Dallas Stars just two days before this contest. This game will be the first test — especially for the new faces — to get a glimpse of what games every other day can do.
The Yotes will play Anaheim again four days after this game. After that, it’s two weeks straight of back-to-back contests against teams in the Central Division and two home games.
What’s being said here? The Coyotes need a strong start to attract fans back to some crucial home games later in the month of October. Not to mention that the Coyotes are also playing the Ducks; a club within the division.