All-Star break comes at the right time for the Arizona Coyotes
By James Reeve
While some may feel the NHL All-Star Game is a distraction from the regular season, the break will give the Arizona Coyotes a much-needed rest.
The Arizona Coyotes head into the All-Star break riding an exceptional 6-2-2 record over their past ten games, seeing the team sit just two points outside the wildcard playoff places.
Rick Tocchet‘s team have stepped up hugely over the past few weeks, overcoming some of the strongest teams across the NHL – with the Pacific Division team also embarking on two separate Canadian road trips.
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The team has done well to overcome adversity this season, with a slew of injuries that, at times, felt like the judgement from a higher power – with nothing going the team’s way.
Couple that disappointment with the constant talks and rumours of possibly being uprooted and moved to Houston has not helped things.
So to head into the mid-season break earning 14 points out of a possible 20, and looking like a legitimate contender to make the playoffs, should have the team in high spirits.
Tocchet’s players, except for the team’s sole All-Star representative, Clayton Keller, will also now have the opportunity to let their bodies recover and recuperate before returning to action against the San Jose Sharks on February 2nd.
Prior to the break, team captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury that has seen him now listed day-to-day.
Niklas Hjalmarsson also received a facial injury, which has fortunately not kept him out of any games.
Suffering more injuries could spell the end to one of the greatest stories in the NHL, with players needing the opportunity to take a break and let themselves heal before preparing for the final slog of the regular season.
Having only Keller feature in the All-Star Game is a bonus for the Coyotes, with the youngster able to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the game while also minimising who is involved from the organisation.
Keller will undoubtedly represent the Arizona Coyotes well and his teammates will support him from afar while tending to their own situations and ensuring they are 100% ready to carry on and make a surprising push for the playoffs.
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What do you think of the All-Star Game? Are you pleased the team gets an extended break from playing? Are you pleased the Keller is involved? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!