One goal games have been killer for the Arizona Coyotes

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Fans of the Arizona Coyotes cheer during the third period of the NHL game against the New York Islanders at Gila River Arena on February 17, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Fans of the Arizona Coyotes cheer during the third period of the NHL game against the New York Islanders at Gila River Arena on February 17, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Yesterday the Arizona Coyotes did something that they 1have struggled with all season, winning a one-goal game.

After last night’s 2-1 win over the New York Islanders the Coyotes record in one-goal games became 4-8 on the season. While losing a one-goal game might not seem too detrimental, there are 16 points that could have gone our way if it was not for just one goal.

I guess if you are going to have to lose in the NHL you might as well lose by just one goal in regulation, but we could have had a jump in the standings if we just one two or three more of these one-goal games.

I understand that the Coyotes do not have more one-goal victories because they are winning by two or three, but it just shows that we have been pretty good even while losing. I do think we could have played better to push for a goal in the third period.

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According to hockey reference, the Arizona Coyotes shot total in the third period is down by almost 100 in comparison to the first period and 50 in comparison to the second period. We have been pretty good about coming out strong to start a game the last few games. we scored the first goal in each of our past two victories, but that does not change the fact that competing at the end of the game has been an issue for us.

I want to see the Coyotes push to tie a game up earlier moving forward. Instead of waiting for the last five minutes to really push to tie things up let’s start playing with a sense of urgency at the start of the third period.

I understand that the Coyotes do not play well from behind, anyone who has watched them this season can see that. However, I still believe that this team can do a better job pushing for a goal with more time on the clock. Why wait to make the clock an opponent too, instead of just playing against the other team?

The Coyotes have just 20 games left this season, their playoff hope is still murky. If we do not push for goals earlier in the game, I can already tell you we will not be in the playoffs this season.