In one of the only possible ways to make a Coyotes' game exciting this year (cause, face it, they're eliminated from the Playoffs, Domi is hurt and OEL doesn't look like himself) they will be playing the Leafs.
Specifically, Auston Matthews.
Matthews, as you may have heard once or twice, is the first player born and raised in a southern, warm weather state to be drafted first overall. That state, if I am remembering correctly, is Arizona, which is what makes tonight's game significant.
When he wasn't fighting off the hordes of Coyotes that dominate the streets of Arizona (I assume) Matthews was busy trying to overcome the hard-knocks of desert life.
It is just one of the many unorthodox things he had to train for hockey in a land where 40% of the population still considers the sport to be mythical.
But, like the Karate Kid before him, he has risen against impossible odds to becomes the best rookie in the NHL and (already) one of it's best players.
The Coyotes suffered what has come to be known as The Fate of the Sabres, when they failed, despite trying as hard as possible, to secure their franchise player of choice. Since Matthews would have been a hometown hero, the script basically writes itself.
Which isn't bad. The Coyotes can only get better by finishing worse, and the pressure for Matthews to be the Gin Blossoms of the NHL might have been too much pressure. It might not be this year - but in a year or two the Coyotes will be a powerhouse.
Matthews or not. the Coyotes will try for a season-high two game winning streak tonight.