Richnasty’s Three Keys: Earning a Coyotes Victory at the Shark Tank

The Coyotes need to remain dominant in the Pacific to stay afloat in the league

Looking at their record, you might not guess it — but the Coyotes have actually dominated their division opponents this season to the tune of a 5-1 record so far.

They will put that record to the test in the coming weeks, as five of their next six games will come against division opponents. That stretch begins tonight, with a trip to San Jose — to take on the Sharks (DUN DUN DUNNHHH).

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses (Arizona lost to Dallas, while San Jose lost to Florida). This isn’t their first loss, either — with both teams looking to rebound from two-game losing streaks apiece, here are my three keys to a Coyotes victory.

 1. Win the first period

Nov 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Martin Erat (10) and left wing Lauri Korpikoski (28) and center Sam Gagner (9) celebrate KorpikoskiThis is going to sound really familiar as the Coyotes have struggled getting off to quick starts all season to the tune of being outscored in the first period 12-14 while San Jose is fifth in the NHL with 19 first period goals and a plus seven goal differential. A competitive first period is exactly what the Coyotes need to do to set a good tone for the hockey game. If they allow San Jose to get a lead after first period lead they are near unbeatable. San Jose is 7-1 when leading after one period, good enough for the third highest win total in the league by a team leading after period 1.

This is going to sound almost scarily familiar.

The Coyotes have struggled getting off to quick starts all season to the tune of being outscored in the first period 21-14, while San Jose is fifth in the NHL with 19 first period goals and a plus seven goal differential.

A competitive first period is exactly what the Coyotes need to set a good tone for the hockey game. If they allow San Jose to get a lead after the first period, the California team will be near unbeatable. San Jose is 7-1 when leading after one period, good enough for the third highest win total in the league when leading after period 1.

2. Help out your goalie by sacrificing the body

Nov 14, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (22) checks Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone (26) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Arizona Coyotes won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Coyotes are one of the league’s best teams in shot blocking this season; they’re ranked fifth overall in blocked shots.

A win tonight will only come if the team continues to show that same recklessness for their bodies on Saturday with Devan Dubnyk in net. Dubnyk was the beneficiary of 35 shot blocks in front of him in his last two starts. He has played well when in his early starts this season, and it would be a big boost to his confidence to use their shot blocking ability to limit the amount of scoring chances and shots on goal that he has to face.

Normally, you would look for Michael Stone to be the biggest contributor in the blocked shot category; he ranks eighth in the league in blocked shots. One of those went off his face against Washington, though, and fans saw a significant decrease in his physical play during Thursday night’s game. If he isn’t ready to take another puck to the face, other members of the team will need to step up in his stead.

3. Find a way on the Power Play

Apr 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Newell Brown talks to right wing Shane Doan (19), left wing Martin Erat (10), center Antoine Vermette (50), right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) prior t the shootout against the Winnipeg Jets at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Coyotes’ struggles of late on the one-man advantage have been documented at length here at Howlin’ Hockey; we’ve done everything from write up all the possible factors that could be affecting the power play to discussing it on our most recent podcast.

Whatever the issue may be, though, fans should have no idea the team has struggled so mightily when they watch the game tonight.

The Sharks are ranked 10th this season on the penalty kill and the Coyotes (looking at you, Newell Brown) have to figure out a way to solve the Sharks. I’ve already said that I would like to see Sam Gagner get more time on the man advantage, he was on the ice and earned an assist on the Coyotes’ lone goal in Dallas (which came on the power play). Gagner also has points in three of his last five games, so I am calling it right now — when the Coyotes take home their tenth season victory, it will be because Gagner got a power play goal tonight.

Prediction:

(SO)