Arizona Coyotes At Anaheim Ducks Keys To The Game
By Adam Pierce
Key #2: Disrupt the opponent’s shooting lane
Oct 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (right) reacts after contact with Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson in the third period during the home opener at Gila River Arena. The Coyotes defeated the Penguins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes did not do a good job limiting their opponent’s scoring chances in their season opener. The Los Angeles Kings were able to put 41 shots on Mike Smith last Friday. Luckily for the Coyotes, Mike Smith was able to stop 40 of those for the win. The Coyotes improved from their game against the Kings, as the Pittsburgh Penguins managed 28 shots this past Saturday.
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The Anaheim Ducks have only scored once in their first two games, so they will be not be hesitant in shooting the puck Wednesday night. Mike Smith can not be looked upon to bail this team out every single game. The defensive core will need to do their part in disrupting both the shooting and passing lanes of the Anaheim Ducks.
Zbynek Michalek is expected to play which is huge for the defense. The entire team can improve on their shot blocking numbers going into their match-up with the Ducks. The Arizona Coyotes registered 10 blocked shots against the Kings and 11 against the Penguins.
The team will be looking to Michael Stone, Zbynek Michalek, and Connor Murphy to throw their bodies out on the line. All three players ranked in the top fifty in the NHL in blocked shots last season. Stone was 5th with 189, Michalek was 18th with 160, and Murphy was 26th with 142. The addition of Nicklas Grossmann has helped the team out in this category too.
Next: Key Number Three