NEWARK, N.J. -- The Arizona Coyotes entered the season with increased expectations after installing new general manager John Chayka, embracing a more analytical approach and landing prized defenseman Alex Goligoski in free agency.
Through five games, that has not translated into success.
The Coyotes defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in their season opener, but they lost their next four games -- all on the road, all in regulation -- and must find a way to win Tuesday in Prudential Center, a place where the New Jersey Devils are perfect in two contests this season.
The game can be seen on FOX Sports Arizona and FOX Sports GO, starting at 3:30 p.m.
"You always expect to win. That was the thing with our group," Coyotes defenseman Connor Murphy said. "During training camp, we wanted the mindset to be that every game, you are supposed to win.
"We are playing to make the playoffs and be a top team in the league. We haven't shown that at all. It's a long season and we can get there, but it's going to take work."
They'll have to do it without goaltender Mike Smith, who left the team's second game of the season with a lower-body injury and is listed as week to week. Backup goaltender Louis Domingue has started the past three games and owns a 5.03 goals-against average and .851 save percentage in five games. Veteran Justin Peters is scheduled to make his first in goal for the Coyotes tonight.
The Devils (2-2-1), with just eight goals in five games, might be the perfect opponent for the Coyotes (1-4-0) as they limp along on their six-game road swing.
"We knew this was going to be a tough trip," Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said. "We've got to find out about our team; every game we find out a little more. There are some areas that are improving and there are some areas which still need lots of work.
"We've got lots of players that are getting good experience right now, but all that being said, wins are what you come in this league for. You've got to have wins."
In addition to starting Peters in goal, the Coyotes are making some lineup adjustments as they try to find a winning mix. With wing Jamie McGinn coming off the injured list to play in his first game with the Coyotes, Jordan Martinook will shift to center for the first time in his NHL career.
Defenseman Jamie McBain has been assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL to make room for McGinn.
The 28-year-old McBain signed a one-year contract with the Coyotes during the offseason after two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings. He played three games with the Coyotes this season.
The Devils have been getting outstanding goaltending from Cory Schneider, but their offensive output has remained inconsistent.
Left winger Taylor Hall was acquired during the offseason to help the Devils fix their 30th-ranked offense of a year ago, and he has done his part with three goals. But important forwards Adam Henrique and Michael Cammalleri, who combined for 42 goals in 144 games last season, have yet to register a goal this season.
"It is frustrating," Henrique said. "We're getting opportunities and we can't seem to find one. We just stuck with it."
Schneider has a .943 save percentage, the best mark in the league among goaltenders to play more than three games. He has allowed two goals or fewer in his past three starts.
"You almost rely on him too much because he's so good in there," Hall said. "When I'm on the bench sitting down, and I can't really see the end result of a shot, I don't even panic because I know he's going to make the save. He's been our backbone. He's the best player on our team. The way he's been able to give us stability back there is awesome."
The Coyotes have their own scoring woes, as left winger Anthony Duclair and center Max Domi have yet to score in five games this season after reaching 20 and 18 goals a season ago, respectively. If the Coyotes are to snap their losing streak, they might need a meaningful contribution from their second-year stars.
"Max has had some decent games, still does some good things with the puck," Tippett said. "Hasn't scored like he did the start of last year. And Duclair, he had a real high shooting percentage last year that everything he shot really went in the net.
"But now the concerning thing for me is he hasn't gotten as near as many chances as he did last year. So he's gotta continue to work at his game to get his game to a level where he can help us."
