NHL15 Player Ratings: Arizona Coyotes Offense

With approximately one month until puck drop, hockey fans are able to rejoice as their favorite video game franchise returned last Tuesday. That’s right, the NHL video game installments are back and better than ever with the latest release of NHL15. Whether its a current or next gen console, hockey fans are able to recreate matchups, distribute devastating hits, and score highlight reel goals as they wait for the NHL season to start.

With the updated rosters and player ratings for the 2014-2015 season, how do your Arizona Coyotes stack up against the competition in this video game? As a hockey video game enthusiast I have the answers right here for you. After binge playing this game deep into the early hours of the morning, I have all the information you need to know when it comes to our favorite computer generated players.

Ratings are established through a wide variety of criteria ranging from wrist shot accuracy to the ability to poke check. The ratings are all summed up to give you an overall rating. Ratings range from a 0 to 99 scale in this game. **Note that the lines are the product of EA Sports and not set by the Arizona Coyotes organization**

 Offensive Line 1:

(LW) Lauri Korpikoski…83 Overall

(C) Antoine Vermette…84 Overall

(RW) Mikkel Boedker…86 Overall

One of my absolute favorite players in this game is Mikkel Boedker at right wing. The developers of this game have fine tuned his shot accuracy to make him even more of a threat on the ice. His speed down the ice can set you up for positive results. Korpikoski is continually improving to the style of play that the organization expects and it shows in this game. With Vermette as the first line center, expect to win a majority of your faceoffs.

 Offensive Line 2:

(LW) Shane Doan…85 Overall

(C) Martin Hanzal…86 Overall

(RW) Brandon McMillan…81 Overall

Captain Coyote himself heads up the second line with center Martin Hanzal and the young gun Brandon McMillan. Doan can absorb hits as he trudges down the ice as he is very difficult to knock off the puck. Hanzal’s slap shot power and wrist shot power are rated as 90 and 88 respectively. His body is able to screen the goalie to set up chances for Doan and McMillan as well. McMillan was ultimately placed on this line to learn and benefit from the veterans at left wing and center.

Offensive Line 3:

(LW) Martin Erat…83 Overall

(C) Rob Klinkhammer…79 Overall

(RW) Sam Gagner…85 Overall

Line three holds a wide variety of talents in Erat, Klinkhammer, and Gagner. As the fresh acquisition from the offseason, Sam Gagner has a lot to prove and with his rating of an 85, things are looking promising. Klinkhammer is continuing to grow as he is one of the hardest working players on this team. After being traded from the Washington Capitals last season, Martin Erat is ready for his first full season with the Coyotes this year.

Offensive Line 4:

(LW) Kyle Chipchura…81 Overall

(C) Joe Vitale…79 Overall

(RW) Alexandre Bolduc…77 Overall

The final line pits Chipchura with newly acquired Vitale and NHL newcomer Bolduc. This line will naturally fluctuate as we may see BJ. Crombeen and Max Domi paired up with Chipchura when the season begins.

The Arizona Coyotes are ultimately rated in the middle of the pack among the other NHL teams. As the season progresses we will see the developers of this game increase and decrease player ratings to reflect their real life performance on the ice. NHL15 is a must for any hockey fan and it is a fantastic way to tie one over until puck drop at Gila River Arena.