Arizona Coyotes Win Tough Game Against San Jose Sharks in Taylor Hall Debut
The Coyotes played well enough to eke out a 3 to 2 victory against the stubborn San Jose Sharks in Taylor Hall’s Arizona debut on Tuesday night.
It’s going to take some time for the Coyotes to adjust to their latest addition to the roster. Likewise, it’s going to take Taylor Hall a while to blend in with his hard-working, competitive teammates and their style of play. What’s already obvious is that the Coyotes, even when they’re playing a less-than-stellar game, are much more entertaining and explosive with Hall on the ice.
As it turned out, the adrenaline-charged Arizona Coyotes began the game flying around the ice with purpose. The experienced Sharks weathered the initial onslaught, however, and at times took control of the game, particularly with puck possession in the ‘Yotes “D” zone. The wily boys in teal played a physical, heavy game throughout, and the Coyotes were able to survive a late 6 on 3 Sharks’ power play to end the game.
Thus, game one of the Taylor Hall era ended successfully essentially because the Coyotes won in regular time and gained two valuable points against a fierce Pacific Division rival. The contest wasn’t flawless though and it was evident that even with a dangerous game-changer on the ice for the Coyotes in Taylor Hall, the ‘Yotes need to continue their search for playing a consistent, disciplined hockey game in and game out.
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The Sharks caused the visiting desert dogs fits at times and seemed as if they had 7 men on the ice (or maybe just 5 Sharks and the two referees) in their offensive zone. Nevertheless, the Coyotes were able to prevent any more goals after two successive tallies by Tomas Hertl. At times the ‘Yotes “D” just couldn’t clear the puck out of their own zone, which resulted in some second bites of the apple by the talented Sharks “O” men.
Early on the Coyotes moved as 5-man units up and down the ice, but when the Sharks gained some traction and counter-attacked, there were some odd-man rushes that were effectively neutralized by Coyotes’ goalkeeper Dary Kuemper.
Even with Hall on the power-play unit, the “PP” group didn’t function as well as it should have, and it, too, continues to be a work in progress.
All in all the Arizona Coyotes played well enough on the road in San Jose to accomplish their main goal – defeating a Pacific Division opponent in regular time. As Taylor Hall gets more rest, more practice time, and more game “reps,” the team as a whole will be stronger and more dangerous than ever. I can hardly wait! Let’s go Coyotes!