4 Still need more production
The Coyotes really struggled in the first two games with scoring goals. Although it has improved I still need to see more from the team. The fact that Clayton Keller’s only goal was an empty net is not great I do not care how many assists he has.
Phil Kessel has also only scored twice. Kessel was brought in to score goals, and so far he has not delivered. I know it is still early but I really think everyone needs Kessel to score more goals. Kessel is two years removed from scoring 34 goals, now is the time to get back on track. The Coyotes did not bring Kessel in to get outscored by Conor Garland.
Kessel is a big reason the top line has not been scoring, which brings me to my next point. I need the top line to be the top line. The fact they have not been scoring is probably why we are seeing a new group of lines, but that takes away from other players.
I like the combination of Nick Schmaltz and Christian Dvorak, I would not mind seeing Clayton Keller play alongside them, even if it is just for a few games. I think everyone would benefit from it, and it would give Conor Garland an opportunity to prove himself without players like Schmaltz and Dvorak.
Nick Schmaltz is a big reason for the team’s success this season, and that is making John Chayka look like a genius.