The Arizona Coyotes got here off a great stint at residence with two wins over San Jose, advancing to the playoffs because the season progresses.

How they fare over the subsequent two weeks will decide in the event that they’re nonetheless within the playoff hunt. Beginning Wednesday night time on the Colorado Avalanche, the Coyotes play 9 straight highway video games that can both bolster their playoff probabilities or tank them.

Going to Denver is not the best strategy to begin a highway journey. Colorado has gone 9-0-2 in its final 11 video games, most of it at residence, to solidify its place close to the highest of the West Division.

Nevertheless, Arizona has performed in opposition to the Avalanche this season. The Coyotes are 2-3-1 in opposition to Colorado and went 1-0-1 on their final journey to Denver.

They’ll construct on that confidence on Wednesday night time and begin the highway journey on a optimistic word.

“Typically these lengthy journeys outline your season,” mentioned veteran Phil Kessel, who scored a hat trick in Saturday night time’s win over the Sharks. “Now we have to combat in opposition to this.”

Having three days off may also assist. Arizona hasn’t performed since Saturday and can now play 9 video games in 15 days. The Coyotes could have not more than two days off and can play 4 straight units within the final 21 video games.

The Avalanche has had a busy schedule at residence over the previous few weeks. They’ve performed 12 of their final 14 video games in Denver and have three extra, together with Wednesday night time, earlier than hitting the highway the place they may play 14 of their final 19 video games.

Colorado has recovered in current weeks and will deliver again defenseman Bo Byram for 2 video games in opposition to St. Louis this weekend. He skated on Tuesday however will not play Arizona. He’ll miss his third straight recreation whereas being in concussion protocol.

The Avalanche have dominated for lengthy stretches of their 11-game scoring streak, particularly in penalties. Six occasions in these 11 video games, they’ve scored 41 or extra photographs on purpose, together with two in opposition to the Coyotes. Colorado has registered 166 photographs on purpose within the final 4 video games in opposition to Arizona.

Makes an attempt don’t come solely from the highest traces; the third and fourth traces have alternatives and the defensive physique additionally joins. In Monday night time’s 5-2 win over Anaheim, the final six forwards scored three targets.

Tyson Jost, who facilities the third row, had a purpose in addition to certainly one of his wingers, Valeri Nichushkin.

“We use our pace, Val makes use of his dimension, (Joonas Donskoi) makes use of his expertise,” Jost mentioned. “We take the washers actually low and actually journey the bike; it is a part of our identification and we’re enjoying our identification now. It is enjoyable hockey proper now.

The Coyotes received the final recreation between the groups, 5-4 in a shootout, when Jonas Johansson made his debut within the internet for the Avalanche. He may begin on Wednesday, however Arizona will possible face Philipp Grubauer, who claimed his a centesimal profession victory on Monday night time.

– Area stage media