With the Coyotes on the heels of their mandatory “bye week,” the team is trying to get back into playing shape for what coaches and players are expecting to be a hard-fought game with the Edmonton Oilers on Friday.
The Oilers, who enter play on Thursday occupying sixth place in the eight-team Pacific Division standings, have lost seven of their last eight games but can see the light at the end of the tunnel, as Edmonton will enjoy its own off-week after games in Arizona on Friday and against Vegas on Saturday.
Coyotes assistant coach Scott Allen was made available to the media after Thursday’s practice after head coach Rick Tocchet was forced to leave early for an “emergency dental appointment.