In what is likely their last game in Arizona, the Coyotes will face off against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. Amidst swirling reports, it appears the Arizona Coyotes are set to relocate to Utah, marking the end of an era in the southwestern U.S. state.
The choice of the Edmonton Oilers as their final opponent is poignantly fitting. The relationship between the two teams dates back to their days in the World Hockey Association during the early 1970s—then known as the Alberta Oilers and the original Winnipeg Jets. Their rivalry culminated in the WHA’s last championship, with the Jets clinching the Avco Cup against the Oilers.
When both teams transitioned to the NHL in 1979, their rivalry intensified through frequent playoff battles during the 1980s, notably the Oilers’ dramatic come-from-behind series victory in 1990.
Though realignment has often shifted their divisional rivalry, the teams’ paths crossed again with the Coyotes’ move from Winnipeg to Phoenix in 1996, bringing them back together in the Pacific Division by 2013. Yet, following another NHL expansion, the Coyotes shifted to the Central Division in 2021.
As the Coyotes prepare for this potentially historic game at Mullett Arena, not making the playoffs this season, there’s an air of expectation for a memorable performance to honor their fans.
Despite the Oilers resting key players for the playoffs, forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins emphasized the importance of maintaining strong play. “We want to build and maintain our habits and play the right way,” he stated during Wednesday’s morning skate, covered on CTV News.
Reflecting on the possible franchise relocation, Nugent-Hopkins expressed appreciation for the Arizona fanbase, recalling the intense atmosphere of past playoff games in Glendale.
Meanwhile, Coyotes head coach Andre Tourigny anticipates a robust challenge from the Oilers, motivated perhaps by the Coyotes’ recent overtime victory in Edmonton. “We played a hell of a game in Edmonton, and I think they will remember that,” he mentioned on the team’s official website.
As the game unfolds, it will not just be another NHL match but a moment filled with nostalgia, rivalry, and possibly, farewell.
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