The Arizona Coyotes were coming off lopsided home-ice losses to Calgary (6-1) and Colorado (5-1) when general manager John Chayka, unable to wait any longer for more offense, went out and traded for forward Nick Schmaltz.

One game later, with the Coyotes down 3-1 to the Minnesota Wild going into the third period on the road, goaltender Antti Raanta left with a lower-body injury. With backup Darcy Kuemper already injured, coach Rick Tocchet was forced to insert the team's AHL goalie, Adin Hill.

Remarkably, the Coyotes -- on the verge of playing themselves out of contention only 10 days ago -- haven't lost since.

Arizona will take a four-game winning streak, some momentum and some growing confidence into its Thursday night game against the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, who are coming off a game in Vegas. I like the home dog Coyotes here on Thursday who are playing with momentum and confidence.