Three Arizona Coyotes that need to step up the rest of the season

It is going to take everything for the Arizona Coyotes to make the playoffs this season. They currently sit in a good position, but things can always be better. Which is why some players need to step up.

The Coyotes have a great system, there is no denying that. Playing as a unit, Arizona has had a very successful first half of the season. Although the team lacks a true number 1 center the team is finding ways to get things done regardless.

Last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning the Coyotes showed they need their top players sometimes. Having a great system is one thing, but having star players that can make your team better is another central aspect.

Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall once carried a team by himself to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, we need that kind of performance again. I know it might sound hard but imagine how amazing this team will be when Hall shows up and plays at his top level. In 11 games this season he already has 8 points, and he is third on the team with a Corsi percentage of 53.6.

I know Hall just got here and he is still adapting to the team, but when he does get used to the team I expect him to step up a lot. He is playing along some of the best players on the team in Phil Kessel and Christian Dvorak. Dvorak is slowly becoming one of the best players on the team, and he is centering the best line.

Hall can really step up, but only if one of his linemates can as well.

Phil Kessel

Phil needs to step up. I know goals are not everything in this league, but Phil Kessel should put up more than 9 goals. Honestly, he has disappeared on the ice at this point. Sometimes I kind of forget he is out there.

After adding Taylor Hall this just got much more prevalent. We do not need Phil Kessel to be the guy, we just need him to show up and prove that he is Phil the Thrill Kessel. I didn’t imagine Kessel would putting up career numbers this season, but I also didn’t imagine him putting up this low of numbers as well. Kessel has 9 goals so far this season, putting him in 7th for goals scored this season.

Here is to Kessel stepping up during the second half of the season. Hopefully, Hall can spark the play of Kessel, as we need him to be the two time Stanley Cup Champion he really is.

Barrett Hayton

Hayton tore things up at the World Juniors this month, and we need him to come back ready to play. I know it might be hard to ask one of your best prospects to step up, but we need him.

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Hayton one day is going to be the Coyotes number one center. He might as well start growing into the position now. Hayton does not have to lead this team right now, but I will say I want him to start making a difference.

I never wanted to see Barrett Hayton play the 13th forward role on this roster when he only plays once a week. Here is hoping that Hayton can really become a top 9 forward on this team.

Final thoughts

Arizona is playing the best hockey we have seen in a long time, but they can always be better. The season is not over yet, and there is still a lot more growing to be done on this roster. We have a system that can win, but that still doesn’t change the fact that our top players need to be our top players and make a difference every night.