By Andrew Phillip Chernoff CanucksBanter

April 13, 2023

The Vancouver Canucks (37-37-7), 6th in the Pacific Division, visit the Arizona Coyotes (28-40-13), 7th in the Central Division, at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona in the last game of the 2022-23 season for both teams at 7 PM PDT.

Finishing Like It Started

The game against the Coyotes is the last of a three game road trip to end their 2022.23 season on the road, which started with a 2-game road trip in October.

The 411

The Coyotes are 21-15-4 at home, losing their last home game 4-1 to the Seattle Kraken on Monday night, and they want to finish the final game with a big “W” for the home fans.

Canucks enter the game 18-17-5 away from Rogers Arena, winning their second game of the final road trip 3-2 against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night, looking to make it two straight wins to end the 2022-23 campaign on a positive note.

Vancouver is 3-1 in their last 4 games with wins over Calgary, Chicago, and Anaheim and a loss to the Kings.

Arizona were floundering in a 9-game losing streak when they defeated Anaheim Ducks on April 8, 5-4, only to fall back to losing, this time to Seattle Kraken on Monday night 4-1.

Coyotes have been spiraling downwards at home, dropping 5 of their last six home games, while giving up 29 goals, scoring 17, for a differential of -12.

Last 5 vs Arizona

• Mar. 16/23: VAN 2 at ARI 3
• Dec. 3/22: VAN 3 vs ARI 2 (OT)
• Apr. 14/22: VAN 7 vs ARI 1
• Apr. 7/22: VAN 5 at ARI 1
• Feb. 8/22: VAN 5 vs ARI 1

Last 10 Games (Source: Associated Press):

• Coyotes: 1-7-2, averaging 2.4 goals, 4.3 assists, 5.7 penalties and 16.1 penalty minutes while giving up 4.6 goals per game.
• Canucks: 5-3-2, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.8 assists, 3.5 penalties and 8.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

Canucks – Coyotes NHL Stats Comparison

2022.23 Vancouver Canucks Awards:

• Cyclone Taylor Trophy – “Most Valuable Player” (fan vote): Elias Pettersson
• Walter (Babe) Pratt Trophy – “Best Defenceman” (fan vote): Quinn Hughes
• Pavel Bure Award – “Most Exciting Player” (fan vote): Andrei Kuzmenko
• Fred J. Hume Award – “Unsung Hero” (fan vote): Dakota Joshua •
• Daniel and Henrik Sedin Award – “Community Leadership”: Brock Boeser
• Cyrus H. McLean Trophy – “Leading Scorer”: Elias Pettersson
• Three Stars Award – “Most Three Stars Selections”: Elias Pettersson

Streaking Canucks

• J.T. Miller has 18 points (6-12-18) in his last 14 games.
• Elias Pettersson has 15 points (6-9-15) in his last 13 games.
• Quinn Hughes has 12 points (2-10-12) in his last 14 games.
• Andrei Kuzmenko has 10 points (5-5-10) in his last 11 games.
• Brock Boeser has nine points (5-4-9) in his last 10 games.
• The Canucks are 19-12-4 since Rick Tocchet took over as Head Coach on January 22.

Thatcher Demko Taking On All Shooters

Since his return from injury on February 24th, Demko is 11-4-2 in 17 games, has a .918 SV% (save percentage), and a GAA (goals against average) of 2.52 and 1 shutout.

On his injury plagued season, Demko is 14-14-4 in 32 GP, with 1 shutout, .901 SV% and a 3.16 GAA.

Delia Can Beat Ya

Since being the backup goalie for Demko since Demko’s return, Collin Delia has a 2-2-0 record, with a .913 SV% (save percentage), and a GAA (goals against average) of 2.28.

On the season, Delia is 9-6-2 in 19 GP, no shutouts, .884 SV% and a 3.24 GAA.