It would sure be nice if Coyotes’ defender Niklas Hjarlmasson was able to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. For that matter, it would be even greater for Darcy Kuemper or Antti Raanta to start the game completely rested and healthy.
The circumstances are what they are, however, and “woulda coulda shoulda” will go head-to-head with “what is” at puck drop tomorrow night. Specifically, the “what is” are these facts: The Lightning have won 8 games in a row, pummeled the Vancouver Canucks 9 to 2 on Tuesday night (after the Canucks scored the first goal of the game), and play at home against the ‘Yotes on Thursday night.