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Coyotes vs. Panthers: Three Keys to the Game

By Joe Duquette

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Oct 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save against Tampa Bay Lightning center Brian Boyle (11) during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. MIKE SMITH NEEDS TO SHAKE OFF THE LAST GAME 

Coming off a 7-3 loss to the Lightning where Mike Smith gave up 6 of the 7 goals, it is imperative for him to shake off that shelling and get back to the form he displayed last week. I know we sound like broken records constantly harping on how the success of the Coyotes is directly tied to Smith, but it’s proven to be true thus far this season. When he is on, Smith is a talented goalie who is capable of much more than his 4.29 GAA and .858 SV%. If the Coyotes can limit chances early and allow Smith to get comfortable, it should translate to another tick mark in the win column for Arizona.

Oct 13, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators center Zack Smith (15) crashes into the net and Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) in the third period at BB&T Center. The Senators won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

2. CRASH THE NET!!!!

In their last match up against the Panthers back on Oct. 25, the Coyotes put 41 shots on Florida netminder Roberto Luongo but only walked away with 2 goals. Why? Because the Coyotes as team failed to ever really get in Luongo’s face. A goalie of his caliber is going to make the saves he can see 9/10 times. In order for the Coyotes to get their offense going tonight they’re going to need to get bodies in front of Luongo and force him to have to really work to make saves.

3. ATTACK THEIR DEFENSE: 

Similar to the previous point, the Coyotes need to make it a point to get bodies on Florida’s defensemen- and do it early! With five defenseman under the age of 25 and two veterans well into their 30s, it would serve the Coyotes well to make it a hard night on those men. Dump it in, forecheck hard, and score some damn goals!

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