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For the first time in a long time, the entire NHL-watching world will have its collective eye on the Arizona Coyotes this Friday night. After starting the season on a six-game, three-week road trip, the Desert Dogs will play their home opener against the Winnipeg Jets … at the 3,500-seat Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
This could be a sneaky spot for bettors. The Coyotes are one of the worst teams in the NHL, so they’ll be a decent underdog in most of their games at home, and it could end up being a situation where visiting teams don’t necessarily get up for the games. You’re playing a terrible team at a college rink in front of 3,500 fans — if it’s sold out.
And the game sets up decently for Arizona. Winnipeg will be on the second leg of a back-to-back after playing in Los Angeles on Thursday night, thus the Jets will be starting their backup goaltender, David Rittich.
Mullett Arena AP
Jack McBain #22 of the Arizona Coyotes celebrates his goal Getty Images
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Betting on the NHL?
Over his 152-game NHL career, Rittich has posted a .905 save percentage and a -30.8 Goals Saved Above Expected.
Arizona’s offense isn’t going to blow the doors off of anybody, but any team will have a chance to post a crooked number against a leaky defense playing in front of one of the league’s weakest goaltenders.
Jets vs. Coyotes pick
Coyotes, +145 (BetMGM)