Time to dig deep and play a full game for the Arizona Coyotes

Remember when the biggest issue for the Arizona Coyotes was scoring goals? We knew we had it all figured out defensively the first few games, but scoring goals was the issue. Things have changed.

In the past four games, the Coyotes have given up 13 goals. In the previous 13 games, the Coyotes only gave up 29 goals. They have averaged about 3 goals against in their past 4 games, not good from a team that is driven by a great defense.

It’s never fun to lose games, this is even more true when you give up a lead to lose the game. In each of the last four games, Arizona has had a lead only to give it up and either lose or be forced to go to OT. I know it is just four games. but we really don’t want this to turn into a trend.

Arizona needs to start playing a FULL game again. They were finding a way to come back late in a game for a while, but as of recently, it has been the ending that is hurting the Coyotes. I know teams are always going to go through periods where they struggle, and maybe the Niklas Hjalmarsson injury is finally catching up with them, but that still does not change the fact that Arizona needs to be better in their own zone.

The ‘Yotes have failed to get pucks out and have been heavily outshot in the third period the last few games. It looks like they have been on the heels of their skates, rather than on their toes. We can’t be playing catch up in the third period just because we have a lead. The Coyotes need to start playing the same style of hockey all game, no matter what the score is. Let’s stop looking at the scoreboard or how much time is on the clock and focus on the game on the ice.

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A full 60-minute game does not have to be close, the Coyotes can continue to dominate their opponents in the first period, they just also need to do it in the second and third. With games coming up against the Capitals and Blues things are not going to get easier for the ‘Yotes, just more trying.

The Coyotes are going to need players like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Phil Kessel to bring their A-game against the tough opponents coming up. Ekman-Larsson has been relied on heavily in the Coyotes’ own zone, but that does not change the fact that he needs to continue to help the team offensively.

Kessel also needs to elevate his game. He has 10 points so far this season but is still a -5 in the plus-minus department. Hopefully, the ‘Yotes can get back on track this week with their games in Washington St. Louis, and Minnesota.