NHL Game Preview: Edmonton Oilers vs. Arizona Coyotes | 04/17/2024

I apologize to any Sharks fans who may’ve watched Monday night’s game live in person. Oilers fans can relate by remembering a time when our team had dozens of losses as bad as that one. When San Jose becomes good enough to get out of their rebuilding phase, they’ll look back and laugh at a 9-2 loss the way we used to. The Decade Of Darkness did a number on our psyche, and even with a win, we had a bit of PTSD.

There was a problem with the reception on the TV feed at one point in the first period. Then I scrolled through Twitter and was glad to know I wasn’t the only person having an issue. I swear if it happened at the same time McDavid got his 100th assist… *Sigh. It was pretty fitting that he reached the milestone against the team that inspired the midseason coaching change when Connor was playing with a nagging injury.

There isn’t a whole lot to critique about a blowout win like that. They tried out new lines, and they were all productive. Stuart Skinner let in a soft goal in the second period, then he was fine. Darnell Nurse recorded 3 assists, that’s cool. That’s all, next game please. The keys to the game are…

Call-Up To Shine: It was announced yesterday that Philip Broberg got recalled from Bakersfield. This key is provided that he’ll play in this game and/or tomorrow’s game. He was playing great hockey in the AHL, but he’s struggled to translate that into the NHL. He needs more opportunities to evolve as an NHL defenseman, but for now, he could be a solid depth option in the Playoffs.

Like Father Like Son: Since his first NHL game on March 26th, Coyotes legend Shane Doan’s son Josh has 9 points in 10 games. He had a goal and an assist last week against Edmonton.

Farewell, Arizona: This is the last NHL game the Arizona Coyotes will play before they move to Salt Lake City. They may come back to the NHL eventually, but expect a big effort from them as a way of saying goodbye to their fans.