Amid some rumours that the Coyotes will once again be sold, the Montreal Canadiens and Max Domi return to the desert for a pre-Christmas matchup.
Of course, Domi was drafted by the Coyotes and traded this summer for Alex Galchenyuk. After Domi scored only 5 non-empty net goals last year, this trade was universally considered a win for the Coyotes, as well as further evidence of the incompetence of the Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin.
While many people still consider Bergevin a terrible GM, the trade has gone well for Montreal.
Everyone now seems to think this trade went in Montreal's favor, but people should be cautious before completely reversing their verdict.
Galchenyuk has been injured twice and has a ridiculously low shooting percentage, while Domi has been healthy and has a ridiculously high shooting percentage.
Perhaps Domi has just figured it out, but I highly doubt that the last 30 games matter more than his first 200.
The Coyotes have lost six of their last seven games and haven't won in regulation since the 4th of December.
It is unfortunately, another lost season for the Coyotes.
While everyone will jump to blame the coach and the GM, fact is they have been just decimated by injuries.
Their star goalie is out for the year. Their top pairing defenseman is out for the year. Their second line centre hasn't played a game yet. Their top prospect just played his first game last week. Chychrun is just now getting up to speed after missing the first two + months, and of course who can forget the grotesque eye injury to Michael Grabner.
Injuries are very much an excuse and are actually one of the biggest determiners of who makes the Playoffs and ultimately wins.
It's terrible that it happened two years in a row, but what can you do?
Maybe the Coyotes will get a Christmas miracle and Galchenyuk will have a game vs his former pals.
But based on the Coyotes luck, Domi will break the NHL record by scoring 11 points tonight.
Thanks for reading!!