Here is what it will take for the Arizona Coyotes to beat the New Jersey Devils in the team's season opener.
The Arizona Coyotes are set for its season opener Friday against the New Jersey Devils. What will it take for the Coyotes to come up victorious to start the 2023-24 season?
1. Convert on Power Play
The Devils are a quick team that are extremely tough to keep up in a five-on-five setting so it's critical that the Coyotes convert if they have opportunities on the power play.
It seems based on all indications through training camp and preseason that Arizona’s first wave of the power play will consist of Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Nick Schmaltz, Sean Durzi and another forward on the opening night roster.
The Coyotes ranked 22nd in power play goals last season, a stat the team should look to improve going into the new year.
New Jersey ranked ninth in goals on the penalty kill with nine. This is something the Coyotes should watch out for.
2. The Play of Karel Vejmelka
When it comes to offensive play, the Devils are one of the best in the NHL led by superstar Jack Hughes.
That means Arizona goaltender Karel Vejmelka will have to elevate his game. Vejmelka is going into his third season with the Coyotes as he currently holds a 31-56 record, .899 SV% and 3.55 GAA.
Over his tenure in the Valley, the 27-year-old has shown flashes of great play and maybe this could be the year where he truly breaks out.
At least for tomorrow, the Coyotes will be counting on Vejmelka to play lights out.
3. Start off strong
While Friday will be the Coyotes first regular season game, the Devils are coming off of a back-to-back as they are set to play the Detroit Red Wings Thursday.
Arizona will be the fresh team and they will have to show it through their play and punch New jersey in the mouth early, catching them off guard.
The Coyotes are not the favorites going into Meadowlands against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference so it’s important to show early on that they are now push-over.