The Sunday matinee game between the Coyotes and the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins featured something new and some “things” old – too old.
What’s new? Defender Niklas Hjalmarsson returned to the ice after missing 43 games, and the timing couldn’t be better. The team needs his skill and leadership. “Hammer” had an assist on Derek Stepan’s goal, too! Welcome back Nik!
What’s new AND old? Antti Raanta is injured. Again.
Having our tandem of top goalkeepers “broken” to some extent is a major challenge for the ‘Yotes. Not having the netminders consistently there to clean up after defensive lapses makes everyone’s jobs more difficult.