Arizona Coyotes Domi-Duclair Impact-Grigsby Edition

Max Domi and Anthony Duclair of the Arizona Coyotes, is the topic of a Howlin’ Hockey writer’s collaboration to answer questions about how the addition of the pair has impacted the team.

Bill Grigsby (Editor) here, with my reactions to Max Domi and Anthony Duclair through the first ten games of the season. These two players have been a joy to watch. Back in August staff writer Adam Pierce wrote a piece breaking down both Domi and Duclair, giving fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite. It’s safe to say that both of these players have exceeded my expectations since then. If you would like to cast a vote for your favorite, just click here. Enjoy my answers to the following questions.

1. How do you think the Arizona Coyotes would be doing without Domi & Duclair?

Not very well. I mean between them after ten games at this writing, they have nine goals, and eight assists. Now, they may slow down a bit once the drudgery of the long NHL season hits them square in the face, but so far they have provided some much needed offense this team lacked last season. Granted, after ten games they were 3-6-1, and this season they are 5-4-1.

What is different this season compared to last season, is they played five homes games and five road games last season, and so far this season have had seven road games and only three home games.

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Max Domi’s debut was a huge success. The L.A. Kings didn’t know what hit them. His first NHL goal in his first game tells everyone he has arrived. Much the same with Anthony Duclair, who had a hat trick against the defending Western Conference Champs, Anaheim Ducks.

Their chemistry is special. They seem to know where each other is at all times, and even take a quick strategy session where they are discussing their next moves. The Arizona Coyotes are more than fortunate to have both these young men in a Coyotes’ uniform, and it’s becoming more and more apparent that they will be a force to be reckoned with around the NHL. It seems that everywhere they go on this current five game road trip, fans in other cities want to know about Domi, and Duclair. And if they are knowledgable fans at all, they will recognize this “Dynamic Duo” will be stars in the NHL… they’re sure turning heads.

Oct 24, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) skates in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

2. What is your prediction for goals scored, total points for each prospect?

Well, Domi is on a pace to score 82 points, and Duclair 79, but we all know that may not happen. They have the skills to make it happen, but perhaps not this initial season. Teams around the league will start keying on them, and it will become more and more difficult to get open and work their magic. My prediction for Max Domi is : 23 goals, 31 assists for 54 points.

It seems that Duclair is more explosive and may score in spurts, similar to what Mikkel Boedker does. But, Domi has so much potential, he oozes in it. He has been persuaded to shoot more often by Head Coach Dave Tippett, much like Tippett reminded Boedker to do the same. Both Domi and Duclair make plays, they’re excellent passers, and know how to get open to receive a pass as well.

My prediction for Anthony Duclair is: 21 goals, 28 assists for 49 points.

3. Do you think Hanzal’s play has been elevated by playing with Domi & Duclair?

Most certainly. While after eight games last season, Hanzal had two goals, six assists, this season five of his nine assists have been on four Duclair goals (assisting on all three of Duclair’s goals vs Anaheim), and one of Domi’s goals. It just shows that Hanzal is the perfect center iceman for the duo of Domi and Duclair. When Tobias Rieder was on the Hanzal line they worked well together as well, but now that HC Dave Tippett is realizing the chemistry between Hanzal, Domi, and Duclair from using that combination for power plays, he has decided to match them up during even strength opportunities in addition.

This will only aid Hanzal’s numbers, and he certainly will score more too, with this new arrangement. Hanzal does much of the dirty work by digging out the pucks along the wall, or in the corners. He is skilled at this due to his size (6’ 6”, 226) and tenacity in the tight spots. For this, or any line to be successful, it’s all about puck possession. Enter Max Domi. His puck possession skills are phenomenal. Even if he loses the puck, it’s momentary and he’s right back in the thick of it trying to gain possession.

We all know that if you have possession, you have scoring chances. This line will exceed in possession numbers. Duclair leads the team with a 39.06 On-ice scoring per 60 minutes, while Hanzal is right behind him with a 32.46, Domi is sixth in this statistic.

Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Anthony Duclair (10) reacts against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Where do you think each prospect will finish in rookie scoring in the NHL?

Everyone thinks that Connor McDavid is a shoe-in to win the rookie scoring title. Well, think again. Many, including the Ducks former star player Teemu Selanne and the ageless Florida Panthers star Jaromir Jagr favor Domi’s chances over McDavid. If that doesn’t say much about Domi’s hockey skills and potential, then I’m not quite sure what to tell you.

So, I am predicting that Max Domi will win the rookie scoring title. Mr. McDavid will finish a close second, followed by Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Anthony Duclair (Arizona Coyotes), and finally Oscar Lindberg (New York Rangers).

The main reason these predictions can hold water (or ice) is because of the magical chemistry of Domi and Duclair playing on the same line. Now, as has been the case for most of Head Coach Dave Tippetts’ coaching career, he has been known to change his line combinations with frequency. If the “Dynamic Duo” is split up, it will affect their scoring possibilities. And, as opposing teams start to figure out the two player’s moves and tendencies that could factor into results as well.

One thing cannot be denied however — the way they play together. It’s something special to watch. It is uncanny that they only played together for that short time in the World Junior Championships, and yet it seems like they’ve been playing together for far more years.

With them on the same line the possibilities are endless. And, the fortunes are the Arizona Coyotes to treasure and appreciate.

5. What is your expectation for the team in three to five years with the possible addition of other prospects like Dvorak, Perlini, Strome, Fischer, and Merkley?

Everyone who knows anything about NHL hockey realizes that with the wealth of prospects that GM Don Maloney has ingeniously stockpiled, the Arizona Coyotes are going to have an exceptional team in the 3-5 year time frame. Let’s take a look at how the above mentioned prospects are doing thus far after attending the 2015-16 Arizona Coyotes training camp.

Christian Dvorak – five goals, 10 assists in 10 games with the London Knights of the OHL
Brendan Perlini – five goals, four assists in nine games with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL
Dylan Strome – one goal, 11 assists in seven games with the Erie Otters of the OHL
Christian Fischer – four goals, six assists in 11 games for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL
Nick Merkley – two goals, five assist in 10 games with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL

As you can see the future of the Arizona Coyotes is an exciting prospect. And speaking of prospects, within that 3-5 year time gap, these five players should be making contributions towards the success of the team.

In Dvoark you have a true scorer, who hustles to the puck and drives to the net. Maybe next year, the year after for sure.

In Perlini (my personal favorite) you have a two-way player who fits Dave Tippett’s system like it was designed for him. I see him making the team next season, he’s that good.

In Strome you have the third overall draft choice of the summer, who almost made the team out of training camp. He will mature and refine his game much like Max Domi did and look how that turned out. He’ll be in a Coyotes uniform next season.

In Fischer you have a power forward prototype much like Shane Doan. He gets to the net, and knows what to do when he gets there. He may need a couple years to get to the NHL, but when he does watch out.

In Merkley you have a player much in the mold of a Ray Whitney. He had 70 assists last year for Kelowna and looks to be in the NHL in two to three years.

See what I mean? With this much talent there is no reason why the Arizona Coyotes won’t be in the hunt for a CUP by 2021… maybe sooner?

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