The Coyotes know they need to improve significantly right from the start if they’re going to earn a ticket to the NHL playoffs. Can they do it?
The Coyotes are resting comfortably and hopefully healing up as they approach the start of the second half of their NHL season. There are a lot of questions to be answered regarding what’s going to work and what isn’t as the ‘Yotes tweak or revise their approach to their upcoming games with a lot of very good teams.
The Coyotes have the “pleasure” of hosting the Eastern Conference’s Hurricanes, Capitals, Islanders, Lightning, and Panthers in February, and there isn’t an easy two points to be had in any of those games. The Desert Dogs will need to play pretty solid and disciplined hockey in the friendly confines (well, normally half Coyotes’ fans and half whomever) of GRA. I’m hoping for positive results, but if the status quo is what we witness, look out!
Will the Coyotes begin with a “well they’re rested, so let’s give it another try” mentality, or will there be changes right off the bat? The ‘Yotes need improvement in all phases of the game: Offense, defense, goalkeeping, and special teams. Other than that, they are playoff-ready!
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How will the team respond? The comforting mantra of “well there’s another game tomorrow” is wearing thin. Where is the evidence that there is some fire on this team? Who’s going to show some loud, verbal emotion and say publicly,” I’m sick of this”! Anybody? Bueller? Bueller?
One thing we’ve seen from Taylor Hall in his short tenure with the Coyotes is that he cares and he shows it by being aggressive on the ice. His talent and skill are undeniable, and it makes one wonder where the heck the other firebrands are. As much as he’d probably like to, Rick Tocchet can’t take the ice anymore (dammit!) and show the fire and passion he still has for the game.
If you’re going to lose, lose with dignity and show some effort instead of just going through the motions. Fight like the game, the team, the organization, and especially the fans are really important. Show some pride.
Most hockey fans work hard for a living and choose to support their heroes, spending their money on expensive hockey tickets and associated costs. That’s fine as long as their hockey team battles each night, home and away, and allows its fans to take pride in who they support.
Regardless of what tact the Coyotes ultimately take during the second half of the season, please show some drive, some passion, some emotion on the ice. Act like winning is important and fight with fire in your bellies!
Just sayin’. Let’s go Coyotes!