Arizona Coyotes 2014-2015 Season Preview: The Montreal Canadiens
Stanley Cup Final…. Words
March 6, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Radim Vrbata (17) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Peter Budaj (30) during the third period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
HH: Montreal and Arizona are in drastically different conferences. Do you think that one is more difficult to succeed in than the other? How about divisions?
KC: Okay, this is definitely hitting below the belt. Yes, I do believe the Western Conference is more difficult to get a foothold in than the Eastern. WC teams are larger, they certainly tend to spend more cash, and have absolutely dominated the Cup Finals for the last decade or so. (Though with Detroit in our conference those days may end soon).
The difference between the Coyotes and the Canadiens in this case is that the Canadiens have figured out how to be successful in their conference without overspending, whereas Arizona is still working that out. Division-wise, I think the same applies.
“The Coyotes still have plenty of room to sign another player or two- smart, since the team’s blue line is young, and salaries will be blooming in coming years. Keeping things on the low end of the spectrum until these players demand raises will prevent them from becoming another incarnation of the Chicago Blackhawks or the Boston Bruins, but without a Cup.”
CS: I have to disagree here- not on the Conference differences, but on how the teams have handled it. The Coyotes have made it to the Conference Finals in the past few years, and have met with relative success throughout their tenure in Arizona. Might I remind you that the Canadiens haven’t won a Stanley Cup- or even a Conference Championship- since before I could really talk. I know that dates me a bit, but it shows that both teams have had trouble getting their footing in the current conference- and division- alignments. One thing I do have to give props to both teams for, though, is keeping a check on their salary cap space. The Coyotes still have plenty of room to sign another player or two- smart, since the team’s blue line is young, and salaries will be blooming in coming years. Keeping things on the low end of the spectrum until these players demand raises will prevent them from becoming another incarnation of the Chicago Blackhawks or the Boston Bruins, but without a Cup.
HH: Which player do you think is most crucial to ensure a win in this season series? In other words, who would it hurt most to have scratched during one of the series matchups?
KC: Before Tokarski proved his mettle during the series against the Rangers, I might have said Price, to be honest. Since Arizona lost Vrbata- and consequently, his goals- though, I’d have to go with Alex Galchenyuk. AGally has consistently scored against the Coyotes, putting up two goals in their last game against each other. He seems to be able to find holes in Smith’s stance.
As you know, even if the Habs’ defense is terrible that night (which it will not be, I want to stress), as long as they score up a storm, they’ll be fine. Some might look to Max Pacioretty and I won’t fault them, but I think this year is Galchenyuk’s to shine.
CS: I’d look to one of the Gally pals as well- which, by the way, Brendan Gallagher and Galchenyuk have matching Twitter handles, did you know that? Anyways, good call. I don’t like old caterpillar eyebrows much anyways.
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On a more serious note, though, I think it’s tough to look at the Coyotes and pick just one player who would make or break that game. I’d have to go with Keith Yandle, though- and before you laugh at me, let me tell you why. He’s got this crazy offensive drive on him that I think proves more invaluable to our offense than most realize- he finished off the last season with eight goals, but his forty-five assists were what really helped the team out. Between his on-ice leadership and his ability to provide offense on a defense-strong team, I think it would hurt Arizona to have him miss out on those particular games.
As always, we hope you enjoyed what you read- be sure to tune in for the two team’s season series matchups this year, which you can keep track of on the team’s official season schedule. Tune in next time for more great glimpses at the upcoming season!