Even with all the doubters, the Arizona Coyotes have enough talent to make the playoffs… and here’s why.
Nov 21, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie sensation, has already made quite an impact on his new team with 10 goals, 15 assists while playing in all 30 games. When the puck hits his stick, magical things commence. He is a magician with the biscuit, and he knows what to do.
His transition to the NHL has been nothing short of seamless. He did have an advantage being around the NHL most of his young life due to his father, Tie Domi playing in the league for 18 years. And while his Dad was a tough guy, with over three minutes of penalties per game, Max has toughness too… just not that type. In a recent home game against the Wild, Max took not one, but two pucks to the face. The last one had him gushing with blood from his nose, but like most hockey players he was very resilient coming back with a plug in his nose.
Max Domi has created quite the connection with winger Anthony Duclair, and the duo known affectionately as the “Killer D’s” have sparked a defunct offense which needed some injection of energy and determination. Domi oozes in determination. He chases the puck, he’s around the puck, and if he’s not shooting it, he’s passing it to his line mates for a scoring opportunity.
Now, will Max Domi single-handedly get the Arizona Coyotes into the post-season. Doubtful. But, his energy is contagious, the type which builds in intensity as it progresses.
He may win the Calder Trophy for the best rookie, but I’m certain he’d be quite satisfied helping his team get into the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Watch this kid, he’s already turning heads around the league. He will bring a smile to your face just watching his ability, stamina, and shear jet like speed.
Next: Reason #2
Oct 30, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Vancouver Canucks goalie Richard Bachman (32) makes a save on Arizona Coyotes left wing Anthony Duclair (10) as right wing Jake Virtanen (18) and defenseman Yannick Weber (6) defend during the second period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Duclair joined the Arizona Coyotes with something to prove. He was traded to the team during the selloff of players once the Arizona Coyotes management decided to see what they could get for some of their assets, since the season was pretty much down the tubes.
When a team trades one of their “stars” in Keith Yandle, the pressure is on for you to perform. Duclair has not disappointed. Through 30 games, he has 10 goals, eight assists, including four points in his last five games. He LOVES playing against the Anaheim Ducks, whom he has personally decimated himself, so far this season. He has five goals in three games against the tough (well… maybe not yet this season) Pacific Division foes.
I’m sure the Ducks are quite satisfied to not face Duclair again until the February 5th contest in Anaheim, and then in the finale against the two teams in Arizona, on March 3rd.
It’s not merely the Ducks who have trouble containing Duclair. Most teams can’t match up to his blazing speed, and excellent shot. To say that the Arizona Coyotes have experienced the better part of the trade with the New York Rangers is an understatement. And, keep in mind Duclair is only 20 yeas old, and will be playing long after Yandle’s playing days have ceased.
You’ve got to give GM Don Maloney all the kudos on this one. The kid, like Domi has a fantastic future ahead of himself. And, hopefully most of it will be with Arizona Coyotes. “Duke” has fans around the league wondering, what were the Rangers thinking when they traded him away?
Next: Reason #3
Nov 21, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
After a shortened season last year due to back problems, Hanzal is back to playing again. He back surgery has restored his game, and he has five goals, 15 assists in 25 games. He has missed five games due to lower body injury, and when he’s not in the lineup, the team misses his abilities.
Specifically his size, face-off wins (54%), and play-making ability. He has been teamed up with Toby Rieder and Anthony Duclair for the most, and their success has been admirable. The BIG guy (6’ 6”, 230) likes to push his weight around, and make it pure agony for the opposing goalie to get a glimpse of the puck when he screens him out.
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When he is the power play with Domi and Duclair, they seem to click really well, knowing where each other will be, and the passing lanes seem to open up like a sieve.
He’s just got to stay healthy, and that may be difficult for him. The main reason is he gets the assignments defending against the big forwards, and take a pounding. Let’s hope his recent injury is not tied to his past back issues. He’s too valuable a forward to lose for an extended period of time again. If the Arizona Coyotes are going to make it to the post season, a healthy Hanzal is almost a prerequisite.
Next: Reason #4
Sep 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Klas Dahlbeck (34) and Los Angeles Kings left wing Michael Mersch (49) battle on the boards in the second period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
If the Arizona Coyotes intend on playing beyond April 9th (season finale), they had better tighten up their defense. One key player who will need to step up in that category is blue-liner Klas Dahlbeck.
Acquired when the team traded away Antione Vermette to the Chicago Blackhawks, Dahlbeck has started to show that he has what it takes to be a tough, stay-at-home defenseman. The team has given up 95 goals in 30 games, or a 3.14 goals against average.
Dahlbeck’s stats are encouraging. He leads the team in hits with 87 in 30 games (he had eight in the game vs Carolina), and is third in blocked shots, with 35. His plus/minus is even, and the team’s is at -49.
He’s been teamed with Zbynek Michalek, and has learned from the veteran on how to shut down opposing players advancement into his zone. He’s still young at 24, and has great potential. He needs to continue with his defensive play, and when the need arises attack the offensive zone. He has a couple goals, but his main objective is defense, and he know it.
If Dahlbeck can keep up his improved play, he will help the Arizona Coyotes get to the playoffs this season. He’s part of the team’s Swedish connection, with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Nicklas Grossman, and goalie Anders Lindback making up the others.
Next: Reason #5
Nov 28, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Anders Lindback (29) defends during the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Surprise, huh? Well, after watching Mike Smith continue his jettison towards mediocrity, and see how Lindback has come in and respectably taken over for Smitty, it seems evident that the job is Lindback’s to lose.
The Arizona Coyotes can no longer hope and wish that Mike Smith will somehow wake up and start to earn his ridiculous contract anytime soon. Paying a goalie $5.67 million for what he is giving the team seems almost like highway robbery. Smith’s inconsistency has done nothing but show that his worth has disintegrated to the point of no return.
Let’s face it hockey fans, as in baseball you live and die with your pitching. In hockey, your goalie can take you to the promise-land, or throw you into the depths of destruction. Unfortunately, it seems that the latter is true with Smith in the net for the Coyotes.
Anders Lindback could be the re-incarnation of Devon Dubnyk. We all know how that turned out for the Desert Dogs. They can really get a good look at Lindback during Smith’s injury woes. If he shows the type of play which leads the team with wins, then they will have no choice but to give him a further look.
Is the dilemma of Mike Smith’s contract held the team hostage to the point of having to play him even when his play has not improved much over last season? Not really. The team’s business (yes, it is a business) is to WIN. Mike Smith has not been able to show that trait, and Lindback can show the team that he is the goalie who will lead them to the playoffs. And we all know ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN THE PLAYOFFS.
