Toronto Maple Leafs set to visit Arizona Coyotes in 5,000-seat Mullett Arena for the first time
The Toronto Maple Leafs will hit the ice for their first game at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ when they take on the streaking Arizona Coyotes on Thursday evening.
The Coyotes (12–16–5) toppled the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche 6–3 on Tuesday. They’ve been one of the National Hockey League’s best teams at home this season, posting a 6–3–2 record through their first stretch of games at the brand-new arena.
The new rooms are firmly big-league quality.
Vejmelka will likely get the start on Thursday as the Maple Leafs look to extend their winning streak to four games. The relatively unheralded Czech goaltender has been nothing short of outstanding in his previous appearances against Toronto, posting a 2–0–0 record and a .959 save percentage in two games.
On the Toronto side, Matt Murray will get the start against the Coyotes. He’s 8–2–2 with a sparkling .925 save percentage this season. Former Coyotes forward Dryden Hunt is expected to make his Maple Leafs debut, while top defenceman Morgan Rielly should make his return to the lineup after missing the last month with a knee injury.
Party in the front, two points in their back pocket? That’s what the Maple Leafs will be looking to achieve at Mullett Arena on Thursday night. You’ll be able to catch this one on Sportsnet Ontario at 9:00 p.m. ET.