Jets prepared for young, fast and skilled Coyotes

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This article was published 03/11/2023 (703 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TEMPE, Ariz. — It’s difficult to get down in the dumps when you’re playing hockey in the desert. Yes, even after a frustrating loss the night before.

“Guys are excited. A little sunshine outside always helps,” Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo said with a smile following Friday’s full team practice at Mullett Arena, where temperatures outside soared to a sizzling 30 C.

Although this three-game road trip didn’t start as they’d like with a 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg will attempt to snap a three-game winless streak (0-1-2) when they face Arizona on Saturday afternoon.

A Coyotes team, it should be noted, which is currently sitting third in the Central Division at 5-4-1 after a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. That puts them one point ahead of the 4-4-2 Jets.

“They’re an interesting team,” assistant coach Marty Johnston said following the hour-long workout. “Having watched them, they really like to skate, they play with a lot of energy and their work ethic is really good. I think they’re a team that’s moving in the right direction in terms of their franchise. We’ll be ready for that. We know what we need to do.”

After years of on-ice misery, the Coyotes seem pointed in the right direction with several exciting young players leading the way. That includes Logan Cooley, the third-overall pick from 2022 who leads all NHL rookies in scoring with seven points (one goal, six assists) in nine games.

They have skill and speed, to burn.

“Vegas frustrates you with their structure and their detail, their commitment to shutting you down, and they frustrate you a ton. This team, I think they frustrate you by having the puck in their hands and making skilled plays,” said DeMelo.

Special teams continue to be a huge storyline around the Jets. Winnipeg is ranked 24th in the league on the power play at just 12.8 per cent, and 30th on the penalty kill at 69.8 per cent.

“We can all be better, no doubt about it,” said DeMelo.

This is Winnipeg’s second visit to Mullett, a college barn that only seats about 5,000 fans which is a temporary home for the Coyotes while their long-term future continues to be up in the air. The Jets were the first NHL team to visit the facility last season.

“The energy was exciting. And it was fun,” said Johnston. “I think the fact they’re a young team and they skate really well and they’ve got those rising stars, I think that’s a big part of who they are. We’re focused on ourselves and we’ve done a really good job limiting other team’s offence as of late, and we’re going to have to do this (Saturday).”

This is Winnipeg’s second game of the year within their division, having beaten St. Louis 4-2 on Oct. 24. It’s the start of four straight against their closest rivals, with the Blues, Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars all up next.

“We’re going to hit a string of Central Division games and we know those are very, very important,” said Johnston.

“It’s cliche, but we’re pretty much just looking at the first period of (Saturday) and making sure we’re off to a good start. 1 p.m. (local time) game, so it’s a little bit different. But we had a good practice, the energy was good. We’re excited about the opportunity.”

Winnipeg is expected to roll the same lineup, meaning Connor Hellebuyck starts in net and forward Dominic Toninato and defencemen Logan Stanley and Declan Chisholm are healthy scratches.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg