How the Coyotes stack up with other Pacific Division teams
By Jim Lynch
The Arizona Coyotes are currently a member of the Pacific Division. I say currently because in just a few years they will be moving to the central division when Seattle becomes the 32nd team in the NHL.
In order to make the playoffs, you need to do well in your own division. It is that simple. Right now the Coyotes now have a 2-1-1 record against their own division. They beat the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Edmonton Oilers. However, they fell to the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks in the first game of the season.
The games against your own division is where I believe you grow the most as a team. You play these teams more than anyone else, and honestly, there is a lot more hockey to come against the Pacific Division teams.
The Coyotes have been led by Conor Garland and Derek Stepan when facing off against the pacific division teams so far this year. The two both have 2 goals and an assist against their rivals. Now when it comes to the crease Darcy Kuemper has owned it for the Coyotes against the Pacific teams. Kuemper has played in 3 out of the 4 games against Division rivals, and he has only given up 5 goals.
The Pacific has been really competitive so far this season, a lot more than we initially predicted in our first division preview. One thing still does remain the same. The Pacific Division is up for grabs.
I think we can break up the Pacific Division into 3 tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. When you read our list keep in mind it is still early. Things can change later in the year, we are just analyzing where the teams are at this very moment.
With that in mind let’s jump in!