Dec 27, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the game winning goal against the Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 2-1 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
As Long As The Puck Crosses The Red Line, It Counts…But These Arizona Coyotes Goals Are UGLY
The 2014-15 Arizona Coyotes had all kinds of trouble scoring during the season with an average of just over two goals a game. While that aided in their dismal season-ending results, the defense also faltered… and that’s a deadly combination. Hence, 29th place had its’ name all over the Yotes.
Scoring in ANY fashion will only happen if you shoot the puck on net. That didn’t happen much either for the Arizona Coyotes last season when you look at the fact that they averaged 29 shots on goal, as opposed to allowing 32. That leaves your defense exhausted, and your goaltender wondering if he has been left out to dry.
There were many plays where you would be watching this team try to make the PERFECT goal. And, while it looks pretty, and may make some highlight recaps on the ten o’clock sports reporting, it doesn’t need to be that way. Most teams who are successful get the little frozen rubber object past the goalie in ANY conceivable method — except of course illegally by kicking it, or deflecting it with a stick above the shoulder.
Next: #5: Erat Bounces One Off Bishop
Mar 9, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Martin Erat (10) skates against the Nashville Predators at Gila River Arena. The Predators won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
#5: Martin Erat vs Tampa Bay Lightning
On October 28, 2014 the Arizona Coyotes found themselves up against the eventual Eastern Conference champs. Martin Erat snuck one in on Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop by bouncing it off him from BEHIND the net. Most goalies know this little trick, and watch for it. Bishop took his eye off Erat (as did the defense) and Erat made them pay. It definitely shows shooting the puck on net from ANY angle can result in good things happening. Too bad Erat didn’t try shooting more often, since other than this lucky bounce goal, he only scored eight other times in 79 games. Not exactly what the Arizona Coyotes were looking for, and consequently Erat is looking for work with another NHL team.
Next: #4: Erat At It Again
Dec 1, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defensemen Michael Stone (26) celebrates a 3rd period goal by forward Martin Erat (10) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
#4: Martin Erat vs Toronto Maple Leafs
On November 4, 2014 Martin Erat was at it again, this time scoring from the side of the net. He got this one by the Leafs goalie James Reimer, who found himself in no man’s land, as Erat circled around the back of the net and just threw a shot, from an impossible angle towards the net. So, let’s see that’s two fluke goals for Erat, and if it wasn’t for good luck he’d have no luck at all. Without this, and the previous goal from weird positions, Erat would have had a paltry six goals all season.
He won’t be around next season, (at least with the Arizona Coyotes) to try any more trick shots. It will be a trick if he finds a NHL team willing to take a risk on him. He will be 34 this month, and with his really poor statistics from last season, I doubt he will find work in the NHL…at least not at what he used to make. Don’t know too many NHL teams willing to throw much more than a one-year contract offer at him in the $1-1.5 million range. Then again, he may go play over in Europe for that matter.
Next: #3: Joe Vitale Bad Angle Goal
#3: Joe Vitale vs Calgary Flames
On November 13, 2014 the Arizona Coyotes were in Calgary, Alberta to take on the Calgary Flames. This is a good rivalry between these two teams, and on this goal, Joe Vitale almost scores from the right side goal line on Jonas Hiller. Hiller was screened on the shot by B.J. Crombeen’s huge frame, and saw little of the puck. What I liked about this play is Vitale used his hustle, which is his trademark, to get down the right side, and position himself for a shot on net. The Coyotes went on to lose this contest 5-3, but it was an entertaining game to watch. Calgary went on to be a playoff team later in the season. They should be even better this upcoming season with the like of Dougie Hamilton being added to their defense, and Michael Frolik added to their potent offense. Throw in “Johnny Hockey” Gaudreau, and that’s a pretty good hockey club.
Next: #2: Hanzal's Deflection
Apr 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Linesman Jay Sharrers (57) drops the puck for a face off between Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll (28) and Phoenix Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11)in the first period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
#2 Martin Hanzal vs Los Angeles Kings
On December 20, 2014 the Arizona Coyotes were up against an old nemesis in the L.A. Kings. Martin Hanzal got this ugly goal with old-fashioned hard work and determination. As he went down the right side, he had Kings D-Man Jake Muzzin all over him like a cheap suit, but Hanzal was able to get a shot off to the net. Luckily it deflected off Marian Gaborik and past Quick. While this is a fluke type of goal, it shows a fight for the puck, which the Arizona Coyotes need to do more of this next season, if they wish to be more successful. Certainly, having Hanzal back in the lineup will help with that endeavor. He was sorely missed, all ‘6 6″, 230 pounds of him. His presence should give the team a boost, and if you are like me, you can’t wait to see if Hanzel centers the two new young prospects, Max Domi, and Anthony Duclair. That will be some line.
Next: #1: Shane Doan's Shootout Goal
Apr 11, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) looks on during the game against the Anaheim Ducks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
#1 Shane Doan vs Anaheim Ducks
There was no doubt in my mind when I started writing this, which goal was going to be the #1 UGLY goal. You don’t see this greasy (as TV commentator Tyson Nash described it) a goal very often, if at all. I’ve been watching NHL hockey for quite some time, and have never seen it happen.
Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen didn’t know whether to stop the puck (which he didn’t), or the stick as it headed towards his head. The smile on most of the players faces on the Arizona Coyotes is priceless. And, it’s a darn good thing they got a shot of Head Coach Dave Tippett’s reaction, since it may have been the first time a smile showed up on his face in a LONG time.
"“Apparently, I have been using [the stick] in a lot … [of] regular games,” Doan said afterward. “It’s one of those things that you hope it can get some bounces going your way. I was trying to go five-hole, and shoot it a little bit quicker before I get it too close because, obviously, he’s a big goalie and he covers up a lot of space.”"
Andersen had a great post-game line:
“Too bad you don’t get a save for saving a blade,” he said, adding he wasn’t crushed leaving town with the point of an overtime loss.
“It looked like he was going to shoot that way, and then the puck … before I realized, it was too late,” Andersen said.
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