Sep 28, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a saveon Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi (47) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes return home to Gila River Arena to take on the Vancouver Canucks after their five-game road trip.
It’s been a long week for the Arizona Coyotes as they have traveled thousands of miles during their five-game road series. The Desert Dogs departed Arizona for exactly one week for a trip out east, but are now back to take on the Canucks in Glendale. The Arizona Coyotes battled it out against the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins.
With a Northeast gauntlet of decent teams, the Arizona Coyotes did not do too bad. With wins against Ottawa and Toronto, the Coyotes finished 2-2-1 in those five games. Those five points are vital in keeping the team as a playoff contender moving forward.
The Arizona Coyotes kick off a three game home-stand this Friday against the Vancouver Canucks. They will then battle it out with the Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers before going back out on the road to face the Anaheim Ducks. The Arizona Coyotes finished last season with a 2-3-0 record against the Vancouver Canucks with 10 goals for and 17 goals against.
Oct 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) celebrates his goal with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Howlin’ Hockey breaks down the three keys to the game for the match-up between the Arizona Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks.
Next: Key #1
Key #1: Speed Kills
Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) is defended by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson (42) at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Coyotes have a talented team with young super-stars in the making. With youth, comes speed and that is what the Coyotes need to capitalize on against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. One of the biggest differences from last year (besides an extra 1.00 on the goals for number and Mike Smith’s performance early on) is the speed of this team.
Players like Mikkel Boedker,Max Domi,Tobias Rieder,Anthony Duclair,Klas Dahlbeck, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson use their smooth skating abilities to their advantage. By getting the edge or outside advantage on the rush, these select players are able to establish presence in the offensive zone. This will give the remaining three to four players a chance to regroup and begin their plan of attack on the opposing goaltender.
Keep in mind, the Vancouver Canucks are going to be a bit sluggish for this game against the Arizona Coyotes. The Thursday before their match in Glendale, the Canucks will be playing the Dallas Stars on the road. We all know how tough back-to-back road games are. Just look at Arizona’s performance against Boston after playing in Toronto the night before.
The Arizona Coyotes must use their speed and push the pace. Let’s catch the Vancouver Canucks sleeping…literally.
Next: Key #2
Key #2: Thrive off home-ice advantage
Oct 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Tobias Rieder (8) celebrates his second period goal with teammates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the home opener at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a long week for fans living in Arizona. As great as Matt McConnell,Tyson Nash, and Todd Walsh are at calling the games on Fox Sports Arizona, there is nothing like a game in person at Gila River Arena. The Arizona Coyotes are kicking off the weekend right for every Arizona native as they return to home-ice for the first time since October 17th against the Boston Bruins.
The performance, morale, and attitudes of the Arizona Coyotes players increase playing in front of the hometown crowd. Fans are encouraged to howl as loud as they possibly can in support of their Desert Dogs. The players can hear it, and their play will be greatly influenced by it as well.
We are Coyotes. Let’s show Vancouver how we do things in the desert.
Next: Key #3
Key #3: Stepping it up with the centers
Oct 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Kyle Chipchura (24) shoots the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Coyotes beat the Maple Leafs 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The injury bug has hit the Arizona Coyotes early on this season, especially at the center position. Both Martin Hanzal and Antoine Vermette have been sidelined with an injury which in turn, hurts the team’s chances. These veterans are a core piece to shaping the younger players in this franchise rebuild.
Live Feed class=inline-text id=inline-text-3Looking back at the Blackhawks' trades involving Andrew Ladd /
With that being said, this means that others have the opportunity to step up their game-play. It’s hard to match the playing styles of Martin Hanzal and Antoine Vermette (both of which are questionable as of now for Friday). One is a big-man who leads the league in the assist column and the other is a monster in the face-off circle with a Stanley Cup to his name.
The youngsters should not be looked upon to carry this team (even though to some surprise, they technically are), as the veterans need to have a productive season going forward. Not just the big names, but the quiet guys too. Players like Kyle Chipchura,Steve Downie,Boyd Gordon, and John Scott will need to step it up in the absence of Hanzal and Vermette. The two open spots at center will give Tyler Gaudet a chance to show what he is made of too. Keep in mind, Gaudet almost made the opening night roster after camp.
To everyone’s surprise, Kyle Chipchura has been filling this role quite nicely. Chipchura arguably had one of the best games of his career against the Toronto Maple Leafs last Monday. His one goal and one assist landed him the honor of the game’s first star. Not only that, his tight forecheck led to numerous scoring chances for the Arizona Coyotes. Look for him to have a solid game against Vancouver.
