It was a tough season, but I tried to instill some humor into the action photos from the year… here they are:
Jan 18, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane (9) battles Arizona Coyotes defenceman Philip Samuelsson (25) during the second period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
“Gee Evander, just because you hate your teammates and want out of Winnipeg, don’t take it out on me.” – Philip Samuelsson, Arizona Coyotes Defenseman
Of course we all know what happened to Evander Kane, and I wish him all the luck (he will need it) in the world in Buffalo. As for Philip Samuelsson, he is an up and coming young D-man who may have some Yandle-like qualities, and be better at defense. Hope he gets an opportunity to show what he’s got next season. As for Kane, he has talent, no doubt. He just has to focus.. if he can.
Next: Arizona Coyotes Defensive Woes
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.
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
Dec 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Hendricks (23) and Arizona Coyotes center Sam Gagner (9) crash into the boards during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
“I guess I didn’t figure that the WILD HORSE PASS was as dangerous as this.” – Sam Gagner, Arizona Coyotes Center
When the Arizona Coyotes practically committed grand larceny acquiring Sam Gagner for a song and a dance, they thought he could be the scorer they needed to help with the loss of Radim Vrbata to free agency, and Mike Ribeiro to eating his contract due to “personal issues.” I think the numbers he gathered during the shortened ’12-’13 season when he produced 38 points in 48 games had the Arizona Coyotes feeling pretty good. Then, he didn’t come near that pace (.79 pts a game to .51 this season).
He seemed to struggle getting used to his line-mates, and in a Dave Tippett system you will see different line-mates because Tippett is more proactive than reactive if lines aren’t working. He has no problem switching them up as needed to try and generate some results. Just like he has no issue sitting down even a veteran if he is playing poorly.
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-4Looking back at the Blackhawks' trades involving Andrew Ladd /
One strong suit of Gagner’s was he only missed one game all season. With the injuries to Hanzal and Boedker, this was vital to have him in the lineup night after night. When the coaches realized that he does better at center after trying him on the wing, he seemed to blossom as the season progressed.
In my recent piece on line combos, I had Gagner with Rieder, and Lessio. That line would have speed, grit, and more speed. It should help Gagner get more in the 20 goal range, where he should be. Plus, he’s turning only 26 this summer, and will have youthful exuberance around him to inspire his offensive talents.
Next: Keith Yandle's Defensive Lapses Are Gone
Feb 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) skates with the puck around Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle (3) during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Blues won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
“Oh no… not ANOTHER turnover — at this rate I’ll probably get traded.” – Keith Yandle, former Arizona Coyotes Defenseman (now with the N.Y. Rangers)
It may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, but when Keith Yandle got traded it was a surprise… sorta, kinda. His horrid +/- stats were at -32 while with the team. He bettered it to +6 in 21 games with the Rangers. With the Arizona Coyotes weak offense, he chanced going on offense a few too many times, and in affect created this trade himself. His offensive numbers were always good, as he led the team for two seasons as a defenseman, but he still was a defenseman… which means he must defend.
I even suggested earlier this past season that he be bumped up to the forward position, since the team’s defense was pretty deep. It never happened, but I still wonder how he would have done. His offensive numbers were awesome with .56 points a game, and his defensive numbers not so good with an average of -28 in the +/- area. Some say this stat is deceiving since a player could be out there on the penalty kill, and thus has about a 20% chance of going negative on any given power play by the opposing team.
So, personally I’m perplexed about the trade. Something had to be done to change direction of the team, and Yandle was too soft, hardly ever hit anybody, and almost exclusively thought offense first. He has done well with the Rangers, and they needed a good puck carrying D-man, who can quarterback the power play, and he has done that. Plus he’s in the second round of the playoffs, not sitting at home watching them on TV, like his former teammates.
Next: Is Henrik Samuelsson Ready To Be An NHL'er?
Apr 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack (31) and defenseman Luca Sbisa (5) defend against Arizona Coyotes forward Henrik Samuelsson (15) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
“A little lower, and I could have had my FIRST NHL goal… maybe next season.” – Henrik Samuelsson, Arizona Coyotes Center
Henrik Samuelsson will get a shot next season to play with the big boys in the NHL. He got called up for a few games late this season after he recovered from a head injury. I like his size, and ability to be in the right place at the right time, as in this photo. He is pretty much screening out Eddie Lack, and the Arizona Coyotes need more of that to succeed. I saw him on a line with Max Domi, and Martin Hanzal in a pre-season game last year, and their chemistry was amazing. I think between them they had like nine points. Henrik needs to improve his skating ability, and I’m sure he will work on that this summer.
I think it would be cool for the Arizona Coyotes to have a brother combination like the Sedin brothers in Vancouver. One on defense, and the other on the forward line.
All in all, it was a disappointing season for the team, and I know they will improve next season. Will they make the playoffs? That will be dependent on what kind of additional moves GM Don Maloney can make, and how much of a budget he receives from the new ownership group. And, don’t forget about that #3 draft pick the team owns… it might be very interesting to see how the team moves forward with that pick. Keep it? Trade it? Who to choose? Hanifin? Strome? (my personal choice), Marner? The wait is only 57 days away… the drama is killin’ me!
