Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
This is not a RECAP. No. After another close game and loss to a subpar team, this is a RANT. Why? Because there is enough talent on this team to win these kind of games and for some reason, it just isn’t happening. Now, I’m not trying to say I have the answer, but I think it’s clear that something needs to change. So, without further adieu, allow me to get this off of my chest.
Coach Tippett says it all. Playing hard and getting close isn’t good enough. This isn’t an “E” for effort league. That’s Soccer and College Sports, guys. I keed, I keed…
What I’m not kidding about is how difficult it seems to be for the Coyotes to find offensive rhythm on the ice, to capitalize on turnovers, to overcome their own turnovers, to defend the net and make the most of Power Plays. When you put that all together what you have is a sorry excuse for a team. It’s tough to stare at yourself in the mirror, especially when you’re wearing a Coyotes jersey, and continue to convince yourself that your boys are going to overcome these obstacles. Because as soon as it seems they’ve covered one area, like PPG for instance, they instantly give up goals on the other end of the ice or give the puck back to their opponent or loose all cohesion whatsoever.
We can listen to Captain Shane Doan bemoan the team’s issues all we want, but it’s just beginning to sound like lip service to what everyone knows already.
"When we had opportunities to bury it, we didn’t, and they found ways to score on their opportunities. It seems to be the testament the last couple games. We’re good, but we’re not exactly what we need to (be). We’re finding ways to lose a game by a goal. – Shane Doan"
Really Shane? Fascinating. Could it be it’s time for you to start, oh I don’t know, coaching? Look, I’m not really calling for Doan to get off the ice, but when he was out of the way after catching Rocky Mountain Fever (no, he’s not a prospector from the 1880’s) the team rose to the occasion. They at least showed signs of positive chemistry.
Then there’s Keith Yandle. Allow me to speak directly to him.
"Keith, you didn’t get on the US Olympic Hockey Team. We’re all upset and confounded by it. But it’s time to get over it and return to form my man. At this point the only medal you’re going home with is the one for “Oh THAT’S why he wasn’t selected for the US Olympic Hockey Team.” Look Yands, you’re missing a big opportunity here. The kind where the ex-girlfriend hits the gym, buys a new dress and just happens to show up where her ex is having drinks after work. You’re missing the opportunity of causing regret, soul shattering, gut wrenching regret. The kind the US Hockey Team will take with them to the end of their days. Or at least until the end of the Sochi Games. So please, Keith, hit the gym and buy a new darn dress, will ya? – me"
Alright, this is almost out of my system. One last thing. Tippy. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time for someone else to step in. I hate saying this. I know I sound like an alarmist, but when all else fails, you fire the dang ol’ coach. Need an example? Look at the 5-11 2012 Arizona Cardinals under Ken Whisenhunt versus the 10-6 2013 Cards under Bruce Arians. That’s it. I’ve embarrassed myself enough. I’m out of her. Stay ornery Arizona.