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Arizona Coyotes: Barrett Hayton looks more improved in second game

By Jim Lynch

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Barrett Hayton #29 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck ahead of Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on February 22, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Barrett Hayton #29 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck ahead of Victor Hedman #77 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on February 22, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Barrett Hayton has only played 16 games this season for the Arizona Coyotes, but moving forward he is set to be a difference-maker. His first few games back from an injury seem to be leaning in that direction.

Barrett Hayton was lent to the world juniors in December so that he could grow as a player. Hayton, who is only 19 years of age, still has a long way to go from making a difference night in and night out, but that still does not mean he can not help the team now. Hayton made his first appearance back on the ice with the Coyotes against the St. Louis Blues in a 1-0 loss for the team. His first game did not seem that much better than what we were seeing before from Hayton, but his second game was better.

After playing 10:47 against the St. Louis Blues, Rick Tocchet gave Hayton more ice time against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hayton played for 14:03 against the Lightning, and that was a season-high 21 shift effort for the young Coyote.

While Hayton has not scored a goal in either of his two games back his presence has been on the ice. Hayton is improving his numbers in the face-off dot and went 70% against the Lightning on 10 face-offs. I like where Hayton has been playing the last few games.

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We saw him last night with Carl Soderberg and Phil Kessel. While Kessel and Soderberg are great players, I would like to see Hayton with Schmaltz and Keller. I think those three young guns would provide a killer line for the Coyotes.

Saturday night’s game was a complete effort for the Arizona Coyotes, and we are getting closer to seeing this team at 100% as Darcy Kuemper is in Tucson on a conditioning stint with the Roadrunners. We might see Kuemper back Tuesday with the Panthers, and then we will have no excuses if we lose! Let’s go Coyotes!

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