For a long time, the Arizona Coyotes were seen as one of the bad franchises in the NHL. They still have a lot of issues when it comes to running an organization but hockey is on the come-up there.
Since the season started, they have been right there near the Wild Card line in the Western Conference. They have as good of a chance as anybody to be one of the teams that get in.
On Wednesday night, they were put to the test by the Colorado Avalanche who have been one of the best teams in the league for a long time now. With studs like Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar there, they are hard to beat.
It gets even harder to beat them when they get out to a 4-0 lead. Lawson Crouse's 15th goal of the season scored in the later stages of the second period gave the Yotes some life.
The Arizona Coyotes are never out of a hockey game in 2023-24.
Michael Kesselring, Jason Zucker, and Sean Durzi all scored third-period goals to tie the game. Durzi's goal came at 17:53 and the fans at Mullett Arena went crazy.
The comeback was complete when Jack McBain scored the overtime winner at 4:40. Instead of getting to the shootout, they were able to get the win it with 20 seconds to spare.
Following the win, the Arizona Coyotes are 18-14-2. That is good for 38 points which is the first Wild Card position in the Western Conference. They are one point clear of the St. Louis Blues who are the first team below the line.
They also trail the Dallas Stars by six points for the third spot in the Central Division. There is a lot of work to be done to make the playoffs but they just might have what it takes to get it done.
Mullet Arena is a great place for the Yotes right now. It isn't their long-term home but the barn is always rocking when they play. The fact that they are good makes it even better. Don't be surprised if they are a playoff team. They look like one at this time.