Blackhawks travel to Arizona to take on the Coyotes

After yet another 5-0 loss to Justus Annunen (2.33 gaa, .929 in 6 GP) and Colorado Avalanche the Chicago Blackhawks are now in Arizona to face the Coyotes. With 55 points on the season, the young roster of Arizona has shown growth this season.

Despite still being at the bottom of the league (6th fewest points), Arizona sports a .451 point percentage which would be their highest since the shortened season (56 games) in the 2020-2021 year where they went 24-26-6 for a .482 point percentage. You would have to go all the way back to 2012 when the Phoenix Coyotes (97 pts) made the playoffs last.

While the growth this season has been incremental, it is evident that the "Yotes" have quite the base of young talent to now grow around. Clayton Keller, Matias Maccelli, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Dmitriy Simashev, Conor Geekie, Michael Hrabal, and Daniil But headline a group of players that should make up the core of a potential future playoff team. Add into that group yet another top 10 selection and playing the playoffs in a college arena may become a reality for the NHL sooner rather than later.

Speaking of Logan Cooley, the former #3 overall selection is wrapping up his rookie season. At the moment, in 61 games, he has 29 points including 2 goals in his last 3 outings. Skating between 14 and 16 minutes most nights, it has been a season of learning for the young Pittsburgh native.

If at once there was a Connor Bedard - Logan Cooley debate (more on the side of others) there certainly isn't at this moment. While very talented, thus far the comparison is that of a franchise level talent and that of an all-star capable forward.

Tonight could go anyway as always, but rest assured the Chicago Blackhawks have nothing to lose. Residing in last place per usual on the road admist a back to back game, could the Hawks sneak out a win in a 5,000 seat arena? Perhaps, let's just start with 1 goal though and move forward from there.