Last Night’s News 📰
MILESTONE MONDAY: Alex Ovechkin tied Brett Hull for fourth all-time in goals after scoring his 741st career tally on Monday night, and also recorded two helpers to give him 600 total assists. Evgeny Kuznetsov added three assists of his own, bringing his career total to 300 and moving him into 11th place all-time on the franchise points list.
5 IN THE SIX: Los Angeles scored five goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs to extend its win streak to five games, while also ending the Leafs’ win streak at five. In keeping with the theme of fives, it was exactly five years to the day since the Kings last won in Toronto.
FLORIDA FALTERS: Igor Shesterkin was at his best this season, making 42 saves en route to the New York Rangers handing the Florida Panthers its first regulation loss on the year. After racing out to a 4-0 lead, the Rangers allowed the Panthers to get back into the game before Shesterkin shut the door on the comeback attempt.
PRAISE TO THE PENGUINS: On Monday, the Pittsburgh Penguins hosted the Mars Hockey Club’s game against South Fayette at their UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex practice facility after Mars’ goalie, who is the only female on an all-boys team, was harassed at a recent high school game. Many players, staff, and others associated with the Penguins reached out to show their support that hockey is for everyone.
Trivia Tuesday
How well do you know the Carolina Hurricanes?
- On Feb. 8, 2007, which Hurricanes player scored a natural hat trick in 1:40 of ice time against the Boston Bruins?
- Eric Staal
- Justin Williams
- Rod Brind’Amour
- Ray Whitney
- Carolina won its first and only Stanley Cup in 2006. Which three teams did the Canes have to beat in order to make it to the Stanley Cup Final?
- Canadiens, Devils, Sabres
- Lightning, Senators, Devils
- Rangers, Canadiens, Sabres
- Sabres, Lightning, Canadiens
- During the 2008-09 season, Cam Ward set a franchise record for most wins in a single season. How many wins did he have?
- 45
- 39
- 35
- 43
Answers can be found at the bottom of the email.
Desert Debacle: Can the Coyotes Out Win the NFL Cardinals?
All that separates Gila River Arena and State Farm Stadium geographically is W. Maryland Avenue, but their respective primary tenants could not be experiencing more different seasons to date. The arena to the north of W. Maryland Ave. houses the 1-10-1, Central Division basement-dwelling Arizona Coyotes, a stark contrast to the stadium-residing Arizona Cardinals, the toast of the NFL with an 8-1 record.
You could argue that the Cardinals’ blazing start is a surprise. While many believed rising young quarterback Kyler Murray had the club headed in the right direction, few would’ve expected them to be this good this soon. However, the Coyotes’ haplessness out of the gates is anything but a surprise. While their offseason weaponizing of cap space might be a sensible rebuild strategy, it’s not an approach that leaves them positioned to win now.
In the spirit of the two neighboring “Big Four” sports franchises going in vastly different directions, let’s examine one wild scenario to consider: could the Cardinals actually win more games this year than the Yotes?? I know, I know, the football team plays 17 games while the NHL plays a whopping 82. Still, it’s worth checking out just how crazy, and possible, it could be.
Argument No. 1
“Hey, It’s Possible!”
The Coyotes were saved from at least one bit of ignominy by rallying for a 5-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, narrowly avoiding a franchise record for most losses to start a season. Even with Saturday’s triumph, the club remains on track for seven wins on the year—one less than what the Cardinals have now.
“There’s No Chance!”
To be clear, anything in the win range required to fall behind the Cardinals would be WAY low. To put it in perspective, the worst team during the NHL’s last full season (2018-19) was the Ottawa Senators, whose 29 wins that year are probably enough to double the Cards’ eventual victory total this year.
Argument No. 2
“Hey, It’s Possible!”
However, it wouldn’t be unprecedented, mind you. During the 1992-93 season, which saw each team play 84 games, the expansion Senators posted just 10 wins, while the second-year San Jose Sharks registered a mere 11.
“There’s No Chance!”
For this scenario to work, not only do the Coyotes have to stay this bad, but the Cardinals must also stay this good. And facing the LA Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks (twice) over its remaining eight games doesn’t make for an easy slate for Arizona’s NFL franchise.
Argument No. 3
“Hey, It’s Possible!”
Having maintained surprisingly good health as an organization, this might actually be the best version of these Coyotes. The only notable injuries to date have been incurred by Nick Schmaltz, Ryan Dzingel, and Connor Timmins—all depth players. Even if the injury bug doesn’t bite, a team rife with expiring contracts could be looking at a major sell-off at the trade deadline—if other clubs have any interest whatsoever.
“There’s No Chance!”
Now, about those contracts. Because this roster is rife with pending veteran unrestricted free agents (UFAs) whose stock isn’t exactly peaking, there could be some personal motivation down the stretch for these Coyotes. Phil Kessel, Loui Eriksson, and Anton Stralman are just some of the notable names who might see a boost in performance as they chase their next contract.
Trivia Answers
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