Well, we are kind of at the midpoint of the season and I have decided to reflect on the season so far. In looking back, I haven’t written much this season, 13 posts if you start in September (pre-season).
Perhaps the biggest pre-season news was the acquisition of Mike Smith. Perhaps it was the Kyle Turris holdout. In the first scenario, we had to fill a void. In the later, we had to fill a much, much, much, much smaller void. Some will argue that Smith hasn’t really filled that void. There are a few Smith-haters out there but you cannot deny that he has talent. I’m not going to say he’s perfect but neither was Bryz. Remember all those soft goals? Remember the playoffs? Remember the Winter Classic & 24/7? Oh wait… that was Philly not here. But my point is, no goalie is perfect but Smith isn’t the worse. Kyle Turris finally signed, did jack shit and then went to Ottawa where he has added to his career goal totals. He now has… 20. Wow. I’m gonna miss that offense.
There has been ups and downs since the start of the season. We aren’t doing terrible but we aren’t doing well either. The top story of this half of the season has been injuries. Currently Hanzal and Gordon are still out but we miss their face off skills. 🙁 The streak when Smith was out was tough. LaBarbara tried to step up but he just proved he is a competant backup who can’t play several games in a row. McElhinney played well in his one game, getting the Coyotes a win. I don’t even think I can recall all the injuries to all the different players…
We definitely could use some more offense. But streaky Vrby has upped his output. He is now at 19 goals and we are only part way through the season. I would love to see more scoring from Doan, Pyatt and Boedker. They are all so close. They do a lot out there but just can’t seem to get it going. Whitney is also having a pretty good scoring year so far with 14 goals and 21 assists. We just need to get the offense going on a regular basis.
The defence. Oi. It’s been pretty bad. You know it’s bad when DMo is getting scratched regularly. Yandle is having a slump year it seems. he’s not horrible but he’s not doing well. Klesla is trying to jump in more on the scoring. When he was out, our D suffered terrible. Our PK was just not good without him.
And the powerplay? Oh my god… will we ever have a decent powerplay? I have been a fan of the Coyotes since I moved here in 2006 and not once do I recall ever having a good powerplay. Every year I ask for one and every year the hockey gods say no. At least we aren’t the last in the NHL, I believe we are in 28th. Out of 30. Ok, yah still pretty bad.
What would I like to see in the second half of the year?
- More physical play. When we play hard, we play better. I would like to see more guys lay out some hits, guys that aren’t named Torres or Biz.
- More offense, more shooting. If you keep throwing the puck on/near the net, eventually it will go in. I promise. Unless the goalie has a force field in place.
- An improved powerplay. I am ok with all the passing on the powerplay. Let them get it set up. What I am not ok is always losing the puck or playing in the neutral (or your own) zone the entire time. Stay in the other teams zone, set it up and take shots when available.
- Less injuries. We need all guys 100% healthy.
- Play a full 60 minutes, never let up. Start off strong and end strong.
What would you like to see in the last half of the year?
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