The Arizona Coyotes Pacific Division watch as of December 16th
Vegas Golden Knights
Overall record: 18-13-5 Divisional Record: 8-3-1
The Vegas Golden Knights are currently second within the Pacific Division with 41 points. Arizona has a one-point advantage over the Knights at this time of the season. I believe that Vegas is the team to beat this season within the Pacific.
They are chasing the Cup after last seasons’ controversial ending to San Jose. Personally I think Arizona will have to get through Vegas to win this postseason. I know that is still too early to talk about considering the team has not yet made the playoffs.
Arizona only has a 1 point lead over Vegas and only 2 points over Edmonton and Calgary. If they want to continue to succeed they are going to need to beat these opponents. When you look at Vegas’ divisional record you see they are winning games the right way, by beating their rivals.
Vegas is a big team. They are filled with stars that can drive to the net and get a goal when necessary. The Golden Knights also have great goaltending to match their star power talent in the forward group.
The Coyotes are 1-1-1 against the Vegas Golden Knights this season, here is to more success to come later in the year. The next time the ‘Yotes will faceoff against the Knights is December 28th!
Edmonton Oilers
Overall record: 18-13-4 Divisional Record: 8-3-1
Edmonton is a team built on just a few players. Connor McDavid is a great player, but they need to get success from other stars. Maybe Edmonton can get to the playoffs with just McDavid, but we saw what happened to their team in the playoffs a few seasons ago. They are going to need help from other bottom-six players to win.
Arizona could very likely end up playing Edmonton in the first round of the playoffs. They would be facing off against a team that might be a little faster and definitely has more star power. I think when it comes to Arizona beating Edmonton it comes down to their defensive play.
Edmonton scores a crazy number of goals a night. They have put up 106 goals so far this season, compared to the Coyotes 97. The thing that hurts Oilers is their 109 goals against. Edmonton won’t be a big threat to the Coyotes until they fix their defensive issues.
Calgary Flames
Overall record: 18-13-4 Divisional Record: 5-5-1
Calgary is on a roll right now. They are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games. Although they did not have the best start they are definitely showing up to play now. Sean Monahan leads the team with 28 points, and they also are getting production from Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau.
Similar to Edmonton, Calgary needs to improve on their defensive play if they want to go deep in the playoffs. They are in the mix for a playoff spot as of right now, sitting in fourth of the Pacific Division. The biggest reason they are not higher is their 5-5-1 record against divisional opponents.
Winning games from within are sometimes the difference maker on where a team ends up in the standings. Of course, they are only a few points away from Arizona so things can change quickly.
Vancouver Canucks
Overall record: 16-14-4 Divisional Record: 4-5-1
There are a lot of parallels between the Vancouver Canucks and the Arizona Coyotes. They are two young teams with a lot of young stars. Vancouver relies heavily on their offensive ability, while Arizona focuses more on their defensive zone.
Vancouver, while skilled, I believe still has some ways to go. Their top 9 point-getters all are under the age of 28. The Canucks have no star-power veterans with their organization anymore. They need to find a way to bring in veteran leadership whether through free agency or trade.
Vancouver is currently in a bubble position in the West. They are in the mix but could also find themselves on the outside looking in this spring. If they do find themselves on the outside this spring they need to continue to build their team and rebuild.
The time is coming where Vancouver could compete for a playoff spot. For now, Arizona is going to need to make sure that time is not for a few more years. We need to beat the Canucks when we have the chance.
San Jose Sharks
Overall record: 16-17-2 Divisional Record: 8-5-0
In my opinion, the San Jose Sharks are done for the season. After they brought in Bob Boughner to coach the team I think they showed they are sending this team in a new direction. Whether or not Bob Boughner is the right guy for the job is still up for grabs.
San Jose is lead by players like Logan Couture and Evander Kane. They are a team stuck in limbo right now. They need to rebuild but don’t want to rebuild. San Jose has been a very successful team in the NHL, and have made the playoffs a lot. This season, however, might not be their year.
Anaheim Ducks
Overall record: 14-15-4 Divisional Record: 4-5-1
Anaheim started off strong but has now come down to earth. This is a team Arizona needs to beat every time they play them. Anaheim is a shell of the team they once were, and it will only be a matter of time before their rebuild is over and they are back to competing for the Cup once again.
As long as Arizona does not get banged up when they play Anaheim all is well in my eyes. We just need to win games against them throughout the rest of the season. There are two more games this season where the Coyotes will faceoff against Anaheim, with a record of 1-1 against the Ducks this season we need to win the other two.
Los Angeles Kings
Overall record:14-18-3 Divisional Record: 5-10-1
The Los Angeles Kings are back in their usual spot within the Pacific Division, at the bottom of the standings. The Kings are reportedly going to part ways with Ilya Kovalchuck. They continue to confuse me day after day with the moves they are making.
Los Angeles is a team that needs to rebuild quickly, and they know that. However, some of their star players can not get on board with it. Players like Drew Doughty continue to make their presence known both on and off the ice.
If you have not watched a Kings Flames game try and tune in next time they face off. Doughty does not like Matthew Tkachuk, and I believe the feeling is mutual.
I think the worst thing for Arizona when it comes to the Kings is staying healthy. When you don’t have a reason to come out and play every night you might play a little more feisty. Arizona does not need to take a bad injury against a team like Los Angeles.
Well here is hoping the Coyotes can find a way to beat their divisional rivals the rest of the season!