Coyotes Head to Chicago to Take On Blackhawks

The Arizona Coyotes continue their road trip on Tuesday night when they head to Chicago to face the Blackhawks for their final game before the All-Star break.

The Coyotes are in the midst of a five game losing streak. The streak was extended on Sunday night when they were defeated by the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 on a shootout. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Lauri Korpikoski, and Tobias Rieder had goals.

Mike Smith saved 27 of 30 shots and will be in goal tonight as well. Shane Doan returned to the lineup after missing the previous the two contests and had a productive game with two assists, while also collecting nearly 22 minutes of ice time.

Jan 18, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona (16-24-5) will unfortunately be without their leading scorer, Mikkel Boedker, for an extended amount of time. Boedker had successful surgery after a ruptured spleen and could be on the shelf for about four to six weeks. Look for Rieder to take advantage of playing on the first line with Doan and Antoine Vermette.

Zbynek Michalek will miss his second consecutive game with an upper body injury. Brandon Gormley, who has missed the previous four games, will be on the ice tonight.

Tonight’s opponent, the Chicago Blackhawks are also coming off a defeat. On Sunday night, they lost to the Dallas Stars 6-3. Patrick Kane scored one of the goals, while Brandon Saad had the other two. Corey Crawford saved 28 of 33 shots and will be given the day off tonight.

Coyotes Try To Snap Losing Streak Without Mikkel Boedker

By Guillermo Salcido | Jan 20, 2015