What the Coyotes 2014-2015 defensive pairings should look like
I already took you through how I thought the Forward lines should look and that was the hard part with a lot of variables so now we come to the easy part, my picks for the three top defensive pairings.
OEL-Michalek
Yandle-Murphy
Stone-Summers
Schlemko
Sep 29, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes forward Joe Vitale (14) celebrates his goal with teammate defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Oliver Ekman-Larsson– Zbynek Michalek
The Coyotes best defensive pairing from last season won’t be changing, as long as Zbynek Michalek stays healthy. Michalek only played in 59 games last season as he dealt with a myriad of injuries. Another thing to consider is the possibility of Ekman-Larsson moving to the right side as Coach Tippett has been playing with that possibility at times during camp. They were also the Coyotes go to Penalty Killing unit as they spent the most time on ice during 4v5 situations last season so I honestly don’t see any reason to change anything here.
Sep 29, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle (3), and defenseman Connor Murphy (5), and forward Rob Klinkhammer (36), and forward David Moss (18), and forward Kyle Chipchura (24) all celebrate a goal scored by Moss during the third period at Rogers Arena. Arizona won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
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The biggest question mark on defense this season was who would replace Derek Morris as Yandle’s go to blue line mate. From the start of camp I wanted to see what a Yandle Murphy pairing could do given a full season. It would give the Coyotes a right and a left shot and Murphy could learn a lot from Keith Yandle. They also spent some time together last season, as Yandle was the go to linemate for Connor Murphy last season in 5v5 situations albeit in a short 30 game sample size. Both have tremendous offensive talent and Connor Murphy could certainly help mend the Coyotes scoring woes.
Mar 27, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) skates with the puck while being defended by Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
With this pairing I could definitely see some changes with Schlemko or possibly Gormley getting some time during the season but for now I like the scoring ability of Stone( I absolutely love his shot from the blueline, I just wish he’d shoot more) mixed with the defense of Chris Summers. Dont get me wrong I think Gormley will get his shot but not right away, as pointed out by Sarah McLellan of AZ Central each player’s contract could play a role in which D-men make the roster.
"“What could play a factor is waiver status. Murphy and Gormley don’t need to clear waivers to report to the American Hockey League, but Schlemko and Summers do. The Coyotes could keep eight defensemen on the 23-man roster but if a youngster is regularly sitting out, he might be best served playing consistently in Portland.”"
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