Here are the five most impressive players for the Arizona Coyotes in the team's 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
The Arizona Coyotes 4-3 opening night win against the New Jersey Devils is now two days removed.
Who were the most impressive players for the Coyotes in their first victory?
1. Nick Schmaltz
Nick Schmaltz had a phenomenal night tallying one goal, one assist and a team leading three points.
He was all over the ice for Arizona and really showed why he is still one of the team’s most clutch players.
The 27-year-old scored the game tying goal in the third period coming through in a huge way on the power play.
With the game at its boiling point in the shootout, coach André Tourigny decided to send Schmaltz out with a chance to put the game on ice which is exactly what he did ending the game and his groundbreaking night.
2. Logan Cooley
In his NHL debut, Logan Cooley surely did not disappoint.
The 19-year-old ended the night with two assists including a crucial one on the game tying goal to Schmaltz.
Cooley used his speed to his advantage on Friday night as he looked extremely quick especially with the puck on his stick.
Arguably the biggest thing that stood out from Cooley’s game was his playmaking abilities. Throughout the game, he did a great job of creating space for himself and finding his teammates.
3. Clayton Keller
Clayton Keller is picking up right where he left off last season.
The 25-year-old ended last year with 86 points and continued his point surge on Friday night posting a total of two assists.
Keller looked really impressive on the power play, really anchoring that first unit specifically in the second period when he set up Sean Durzi to score from the point giving Arizona a 2-0 lead.
By his performance on opening night, it seems Keller will play to the level if not exceed expectations from the 2022-23 campaign.
4. Karel Vejmelka
If it weren't for goaltender Karel Vejmelka, the Coyotes probably would not have even been in a position to win.
The 27-year-old stood on his head all night posting 33 saves on 36 shots while he had a .917 SV%.
In the shootout, Vejmelka came up huge, making stops on both Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt, securing a crucial victory for the Coyotes.
To go out and frustrate a lethal offensive Devils team is difficult to do but that's what Vejmelka was able to accomplish.
5. Sean Durzi
Sean Durzi had a commanding presence for Arizona stepping up both defensively and offensively.
The 24-year-old scored a big goal for the Coyotes on the power play flexing his heavy and explosive shot from the blue line.
It’s clear going forward that Durzi will be the team’s top defenseman and he showed why he is capable of taking on that role.