Oct 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) and defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) celebrate after a goal in the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The first game of the new season for the Arizona Coyotes was a special one. Max Domi scored his first NHL goal, Mike Smith was outstanding, as was the defense. It was an all around excellent performance.
The Arizona Coyotes game was like a Hollywood script. The kind with a happy ending.
IThey went into L.A. knowing that the Kings got spanked in their home opener, complements of the San Jose Sharks. They knew the Kings would be pumped up to play better. But, what may have been overlooked was how well the Arizona Coyotes were going to play.
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Every aspect of the game was exceptional. And, we all know it’s just one game, and not to get too excited by the results…remember Sid Crosby will be in town tonight, and he’s bringing along a new helper by the name of Phil Kessel. Yet, as you look back at how horrible last season was for the Arizona Coyotes, you had to smile. You know that same youthful smile that Max Domi exhibited after he recorded this first NHL goal.
As was the case last season, we are going to do Arizona Coyotes captions. A series which takes a look at the game, with a sense of humor, and keeping it casual. We hope you enjoy the series, and tell all your friends to connect to howlinhockey.com for all the best coverage of the Coyotes.
Next: Is This a Dream?
Oct 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes coach Dave Tippett reacts during 4-1 victory against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Wait a minute, we’re up 4-1 in the third period? This is better than I expected.” – Dave Tippett, Arizona Coyotes Head Coach
I’m sure most of us were not expecting (hoping maybe) the type of performance that the Arizona Coyotes gave us in the 4-1 season opener last night in Tinsel Town. But, you know what? It felt GOOD, really GOOD. For Dave Tippett and his coaching staff kudos to them for preparing this team, and having everyone on the same page, when there were numerous new faces to adjust to a new team, and new line-mates to absorb their moves.
Once this team learns that Tippett’s system works, they will start winning with regularity. His coaching skills and background are all the players should need to perform up to his standards.
But, it all seemed to work out… amend that — it was as if it was planned that way.
When Zbynek Michalek’s goal found its’ way past beleaguered Kings goalie Jonathan Quick two minutes into the game, something seemed to click. The team all of a sudden went into fourth gear, ignoring the other three prior gears. It definitely turbo-charged the team’s energy, and got them an early lead, which set the Kings back on their heels.
Puck Prose
The second goal by OEL was a thing of beauty. Max Domi handed the Swede a pretty pass in the slot, as Oliver advanced towards the net. Well, OEL knows what to do with that, and one-timed it past Quick. It displayed Domi’s ice presence and vision. He is one special young player, and the Arizona Coyotes have a good future with him on the team.
When he was asked in a pre-game interview what he expects to do out on the ice, his mature response was admirable: Whatever Coach Tippett needs me to do. The kid’s been brought up with hockey, and it shows.
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Oct 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) and left wing Anthony Duclair (10) celebrate after a goal in the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“I know you and Max are good buds, and all, but show me some love, brother.” – Martin Hanzal, Arizona Coyotes center
It was more than pleasurable to see Martin Hanzal, as well as Mikkel Boedker both out there again in this initial contest. Big Marty had a pretty darn good game, with two assists, and using his size and strength to his advantage. It just shows us all that when Hanzal went down to back surgery, his assets and abilities were sorely missed. He wins face-offs at a good clip, and the best part of his game is his reach, and physicality in the corners. Those attributes were missing the entire last half of last season, and now with Hanzal back, things can improve remarkably.
Hanzal was lined up with Toby Rieder, and Anthony Duclair. This line as well as the number one line of Vermette, Domi, and Boedker exhibits exactly what GM Don Maloney was touching on when he was asked how he wanted to improve this team. Speed, and more speed. With Boedker out there with smooth skating Duclair, and speeder Rieder, who registered a goal and an assist along with Domi, you can see why Maloney may be pretty excited by the results of the first game of this new season.
Everyone thought (me included) that Tippett would put the “dynamic duo” of Domi and Duclair on the same line to work their magic, and they were out there on the power play a couple times. But Tipp being the wise coach he is, recognized that these two talented forwards are still new to the NHL, and may need some veteran guidance. Thus, the addition of Vermette with Domi and Boedker worked like a fine tuned engine.
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Oct 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter reacts during 4-1 loss against the Arizona Coyotes at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
What’s that nasty taste in my mouth? Oh yeah, it’s called two straight blowout losses. When’s practice tomorrow?”– Darryl Sutter, Los Angeles Kings Head Coach
It would seem that all the off the ice drama that has occurred in the Kings organization has taken a toll on their fortunes. Plus, this team lost: D Robyn Regehr, C Mike Richards, D Andrej Sekera, C Jarret Stoll, RW Justin Williams, and D Slava Voynov. That’s a lot of talent they don’t have anymore. Many think the Kings will be back in the playoffs this season, but not if they play like they did against the Arizona Coyotes last night. Far from it.
Jonathan Quick looked like Mike Smith from last season, and in fact they kinda traded the way they played last year… at least for this first game. The Kings have a strict, disciplinary coach will won’t put up with lack of effort. Of course, Mike Smith, being voted the number one star of the game had a lot to do with the outcome. He looked steady, confident, and never got rattled, even when someone clipped him in his crease at one point.
His focus, like the entire Arizona Coyotes team’s focus was top-notch. And, it needs to be to win in the league. The young guys played well, and seemed to instill an energy which catapulted the entire team, resulting in a strong win for the Desert Dogs.
But, you wake up the next day and must get ready for another tough game against Sid Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Life in the NHL…
Next: Arizona Coyotes Have Uphill Climb To Respectability
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