Yotes Play: Make Your Game 1 Predictions

You’re probably predicting a Coyotes win — and you can win along with them. 

Yotes Play, a free interactive game, provides a prized opportunity for Coyotes fans. 

And, the odds are in your favor from the get-go.

Participating fans will be entered to win a “State Forty Eight” t-shirt, 25 available for each game. 

Additionally, one grand prize also will be available for each game — a one-night stay in the “Coyotes Room” at the Gila River Casinos Hotel. And that’s not all. A $50 gift card also is included. The room is available at both Wild Horse Pass & Vee Quiva locations. The grand-prize winner will be selected at random from all participants 21 and over.

The predictive game tracks results in real time, comparable to daily fantasy sports sites such as “DraftKings.” Fans can compete against friends and track scores on a leaderboard.

Playing is simple, free and, well, fun. But you must place your “bets” before the puck drops.

(And remember, simply by joining, you qualify for the grand prize!)

REGISTER AND (YOTES) PLAY NOW!

Each game will feature different questions. Game 1 has eight.

Here are my answers to the first eight. 

Q: Who will score the first Coyotes goal of the game?

A: There are some quality options here, and it’s a tough choice. It came down to a hunch that the Coyotes are really going to need to attack the net to break through the Predators’ defense and goaltending. That calls for a power forward. LAWSON CROUSE. 

Q: How many shots on goal will Arizona have during the first period? 

A: I’ll be relatively aggressive, here. This first period likely will be a 20-minute chess match between two defense-savvy teams feeling each other out. But I think the Coyotes get some pucks on the Predators early. 11-15 SHOTS.

Q: Which team will get whistled for the first penalty of the second period? 

A: I’d rather not see it happen. If anything, the Coyotes’ penalty kill got its reps during Thursday’s exhibition — six kills to be exact. Arizona’s PK ranked No. 5 in the NHL. So, killing the first penalty of the second period isn’t of huge concern. They’re more than capable. COYOTES.

Q: In the second period, the first goal will get scored with how much time left on the clock? 

A: I’m anticipating a quick strike. As aforementioned, I expect the first period to be relatively tight. I think we’ll be seeing a few break-through plays to begin the second period. Things will open up, and I expect someone to capitalize. 19:59 – 16:00.

(P.S. This does NOT correlate in any way with the answer above. Unless it’s Brad Richardson shorthanded.) 

Q: How many points will Phil Kessel have in today’s game? 

A: Kessel has 77 career playoff points, the most of any Coyotes player. So, I’m expecting #81 to lead by example in Game 1. TWO POINTS.

Q: How many saves will Arizona goalies make in the game?

A: Defense and goaltending are facets of the Coyotes’ identity. I expect respectable – not perfect – performances from both. The Predators will record 28 shots. TWENTY-SIX.

Q: How many total goals will these teams combine to score?

A: Do I have a rhyme or reason for this answer? Could just be my gut. SIX.

Q: What will be the final score goal-differential? 

A: I don’t expect either team to lead by more than one goal until the very end. I see an empty netter. TWO.

Once you’ve made your selections, replicate the in-arena game experience with “Howl from Home.” It’s a virtual watch party! 

While tuned to the game on TV, you can transform your “second screen” — laptop, monitor, tablet, phone — into the Gila River Arena jumbotron.

Fans can access the Howl at Home experience at HowlYeah.Live

Features will include pump-up and intro videos, goal graphics and the horn when the Coyotes score, among many other game-presentation arena favorites.

Also: During intermission, you can play Yotes Trivia with other fans. Coyotes alumni and local celebrities will interact with fans during games. Former goalie Sean Burke will chat with fans during Game 1 Sunday. Also scheduled are former defensemen Zbynek Michalek for Game 2 and Cale Hulse for Game 3.