‘Yotes Notes: Adin Hill to make second straight start
Oct 19, 2017, 7:04 AM | Updated: 11:29 am
Arizona Coyotes goalie Adin Hill (31) defends the goal against Dallas Stars right wing Brett Ritchie (25) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
(AP Photo/LM Otero)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet liked what he saw from rookie goalie Adin Hill, who stopped 31 of 32 shots in his NHL debut on Tuesday in Dallas. Hill is expected to start again against the Stars on Thursday at Gila River Arena.
“He looks big in the net,” Tocchet said. “Even though he made that first stop, he was there for the second stop. He wasn’t out of the net, flipping and flopping. He was really good.
“I’ve got to tell you, the game wasn’t too big for him. He looked like he wanted to be in the net.”
Hill’s mom, dad, brother, sister, girlfriend and childhood goalie coach were in attendance at the game. So was a longtime friend, who flew in from London, England, and that friend’s dad.
“You always dream of playing in the NHL as a kid so it was kind of a surreal feeling,” Hill said. “I feel like I can definitely play at this level.
“My goal was just to be here as fast as I could. I didn’t really put a timeframe on it. I just work as hard as I can and try and get better. Every minute I get, I’ll be happy with. It’s the NHL.”
LOOSE PUCKS
— Goalie Antti Raanta (muscle strain) and center Brad Richardson (lower body) did not skate on Wednesday. Richardson’s availability for Thursday will depend on the morning skate, while Raanta must skate before he returns to action. The Coyotes do not have timeline on that.
— Forward Brendan Perlini will not come off injured reserve in time for Thursday’s game. He has resumed skating and Tocchet said he is close to returning.
— The Coyotes’ 0-5-1 start is the worst six-game start in franchise history.
Stars at Coyotes
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Where: Gila River Arena
TV: FOX Sports Arizona
Radio: ESPN 620 AM
Records: Coyotes — 0-5-1. Stars — 3-3-0.
Injury report: Coyotes — D Jakob Chychrun (knee) and F Brendan Perlini (upper body) are on injured reserve. G Antti Raanta (lower body) is day-to-day. C Brad Richardson (lower body) will be a game-day decision. Stars — None.
Stars scouting report: — C Tyler Seguin leads the team with three goals, and is tied with defenseman John Klingberg for the team lead in points (5) … Goalie Ben Bishop is 3-1 with a 1.49 goals against average and a .944 save percentage … Former Coyote Martin Hanzal has a goal in five games.
