Arizona Coyotes Captions 2014-2015 Season
Dec 20, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) waits for a pass from Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (27) among the Arizona Coyotes defense in the second period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
“Hit me up with a pass Alec, I only have two Coyotes covering me… I got this!” – Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings Center
It’s no secret that this 2014-2015 version of the Arizona Coyotes did NOT play Dave Tippett’s disciplined style of defensive hockey, and the results bare witness to that. When you give up 3.32 goals a game (28th), and only score 2.07 goals a game (29th) it’s going to be a long season. Hopefully, next season these shortcomings will be addressed and the team can pull a Calgary Flames’ feat by finishing as they did 27th in the previous season to making the playoffs.
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Changes must be made, and not just to make changes. They must be evaluated to determine why they failed so miserably, and how to fix it… NOW. Trades, free agency, new prospects, a renewed vision to play better puck possession, all must be the focus to lead to a season where the playoffs are a reality, not just a goal.
Similar to any sport, defense leads to championships. The Arizona Coyotes got that for the most part in the past, and surely during their run in ’11-’12 when they went to the conference finals. Add in Mike Smith needs to work on his deficiencies to improve his net-minding, in conjunction with a defense who can help him clear out the threats in front of him. If this doesn’t happen, it could be another ugly season… oh no… anything but that!
Next: Sam Gagner Needs To Step It Up