Arizona Coyotes Captions: Devils Take Howl Out Of Coyotes
Mar 14, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Jordin Tootoo (20) skates into Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) in the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
” Oh no you don’t Mr. Tootoo… you are NOT going into MY trapezoid.. not in MY house ! ” – Mike Smith, Arizona Coyotes Goalie
The Arizona Coyotes played well early, outshooting the N.J. Devils 13-6 in the first period… BUT (and this is a big BUT) they couldn’t come up big when the opportunities presented themselves. Is that the story of this dismal season, or what? Mike Smith has been playing better hockey overall of late, but his teammates have not provided him much offense to support his efforts.
Much like a baseball team not scoring for a pitcher keeping them in the game, if your offense is not doing their job, the results are usually not pretty. Such was the case this Saturday night at Gila River Arena, where the Coyotes continued their losing ways by dropping a 4-1 decision to New Jersey. Since game 42 of this season, the Yotes have only managed 14 points in 27 games, and have a .362 Pts% over the season. When you give up 3.33 goals a game and only score 2.10, it’s a long trip down to the rink to play a game.
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Tonight, the only mistake Mike Smith might have made is give up too many rebounds, which the Devils pounced on leading to their success. The Coyotes young defense was not able to box out players coming in to collect those rebounds and turn on the red light. It’s been the story of the season. Frankly, of late Mike Smith is losing his cool when opposing players either crash his crease or leave him out to dry, and I can’t say I blame him.
I don’t think this team is “tanking”, as many have suggested to be the best route to a Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel sweepstakes in the NHL Entry Draft this summer. I don’t think Coach Dave Tippett would allow such behavior, as he is accustomed to winning more than losing if you look at his career as an NHL coach. It can perhaps be attributed to the team being young, especially the defense, and Mike Smith having a completely lousy year.
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Will it all become a distant memory once this season mercifully ends, and the promise of next year develops? I certainly hope so. Losing is a culture that tends to grow like a cancer, and it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Has GM Don Maloney done his part in getting that moving? I think so.
He has some draft picks, which are always an excellent asset to possess going in the off season, and some good prospects like Andrew Duclair (acquired in the Yandle trade), Max Domi (tearing up the OHL), Christain Dvorak (also tearing up the OHL, and a teammate of Domi on the London Knights).
Add in prospects like Henrik Samuelsson, Lucas Lessio, Philip Samuelsson (Henrik’s brother) all playing in the AHL for the Coyotes’ Portland, Maine affiliate , and you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel… or at least it’s in view.
Next: Is Mike Smith Worth the Wait?