Arizona Coyotes Defense Breakdown By Player
With the new season about to begin, the Arizona Coyotes must improve their defensive lapses from last season.
I know what you’re thinking — how can we get any better than OEL? We really can’t, except for the entire defensive group to improve. With that getting done, Oliver will exceed expectations, including his plus/minus numbers which weren’t fantastic last year at -18.
His offensive game was over the top with 23 goals and 20 assists. With the infusion of youthful energy from prospects Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, the offense picking up its game will certainly make it easier for the defense to shine again.
The team from 2011-12 was very successful due to a dominating defense, coupled with an adequate offense to establish a pattern of winning. Having Mike Smith perform admirably didn’t hurt either.
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OEL can be an outstanding defenseman, if he is not turned to as the only offensive weapon on the team. His power play numbers were exceptional with 10 goals, to go along with three short-handed goals, seven game winners, with three being overtime game winners. And, it was just announced today, that HC Dave Tippett is going to experiment with Mikkel Boedker on the point along with OEL on the power play. With hope Boedker can emulate the success that Keith Yandle had from that position, Tippett is willing to give it a go, and Boeds is good with it.
He became the go-to guy last season after the team traded Keith Yandle to the New York Rangers for forward prospect Anthony Duclair. He can still be that same clutch player, but he needs some help so teams don’t key in on him alone.
OEL will more than likely have an even better season, and be chosen to play in the All-Star game again. He’s also stepping up as an assistant captain, and takes that responsibility to heart. Look for him to be the next captain of the team as soon as Captain Coyote Shane Doan hangs up his skates.
Next: Zbynek Michalek