The Arizona Coyotes got on a plane Tuesday afternoon and jetted off to Denver to start a nine-game road trip that could very well determine their playoff fortunes this season.
They could also come back from that 15-day trip without a player or two that is on the roster now, with the NHL trade deadline on April 12. All of which makes this stretch of away games crucial for the Coyotes.
Arizona (16-14-5) is one point out of fourth place and the final playoff spot in the West Division, trailing the St. Louis Blues 38-37. The Coyotes are playing perhaps their best hockey of the season, while the Blues are 2-5-3 in their last 10 games with 21 games to play for both teams.