Another week, another set of stars for the Arizona Coyotes. The Arizona Coyotes faced off against 3 different teams during the week of 10/13 – 10/20 the Jets, Predators, and Senators.
The Arizona Coyotes finished 3-0 on the week, so there are plenty of great players to give the stars of the week to for the ‘Yotes. Honestly I could name 5 or 6 players that deserve a nod after the effort the ‘Yotes had last week, instead, let’s give you just our top 3 stars of the week!
(Last weeks stars : 3 Derek Stepan, 2 Conor Garland, 1 Darcy Kuemper)
Number 3 Star of the week – Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Oliver Ekman-Larsson has had to step up in the absence of players like Niklas Hjalmarsson and Jordan Oesterle. The Coyotes captain is leading the team in all different types of categories.
To start Oliver Ekman-Larsson leads the team in minutes per game averaging about 24:45 minutes per game. Also in the past 3 games, OEL has 3 points, including a goal last night against Ottawa.
That's our captain. pic.twitter.com/NzOZZqAPip
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) October 19, 2019
The goal the captain scored showcases him getting to the gritty areas to score a goal, seeing your elite defensemen do something like that is very good and lifts up the team.
Number 2 Star of the week – Christian Dvorak
Christian Dvorak had a week to remember during last week’s campaign. In 3 games he had 3 big goals, including 2 against the Winnipeg Jets.
Christian Dvorak was the spark the Coyotes offense needed, scoring two clutch goals. #AboutLastNight pic.twitter.com/uUs8e5XiGC
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) October 16, 2019
Dvorak has been a constant presence on the Coyotes team. He and his linemates have been lighting things up the entire season. In fact, his first linemate is actually our first star of the week.
Number 1 Star of the week – Nick Schmaltz
Nick Schmaltz is on fire. In the past 3 games, he has 6 points, including 5 assists. To say that Schmaltz has been on top of his game might be a bit of an understatement. The ex Chicago Blackhawk player looks like Patrick Kane out there making great no-look passes and setting up players like Conor Garland, and Christian Dvorak.
I honestly really think Schmaltz deserves a chance on the top line. Keller could maybe wakeup from a different opportunity with new linemates. While Schmaltz can benefit from playing with Kessel and Stepan.
Let’s see who gets the nod next week for our 3 stars of the week!