Hey! It’s time for the monthly Coyotes mailbag! What could we possibly have to talk about?
Before we begin, a big thanks to @campaul for this month’s illustration shown here. Keep them coming, folks.
Let’s get to your questions about scoring, the power play and whatever else it is you want to talk about — even bratwurst.
Will the power play ever produce?
— Lisa M Neumann (@hip934) October 6, 2019
This feel like the Coyotes version of: What is the meaning of life?
I don’t know. I do think this unit will take some time to incorporate Phil Housley’s concepts, Phil Kessel’s tendencies and really, Nick Schmaltz, whose 17-game cameo with the Coyotes last season did not imprint on the unit’s muscle memory.
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That said, the five parts of this unit have to be more competent than we have seen in the three-plus opportunities so far where there has been virtually no offensive zone time and sloppiness with the puck. This unit could really help the team’s scoring woes and I think most of the pieces are there for a competent power play. I want to see more assertiveness from Oliver Ekman-Larsson on this unit and I want to see Schmaltz exhibit the puck poise he did last season.
Something I noticed on the PP, and maybe there's a bit of hindsight bias, but have you noticed that the Coyotes lack the ability/confidence/personnel to play the puck below the goal line? Seems all the movement comes from up top, which makes stifling the offense easier.
— Brandon Sparks (@Brandon__Sparks) October 6, 2019
There is supposed to be movement all over. When it stagnates is when this unit stagnates. The 1-3-1 is going to lend itself to a lot of play above the goal line, but no, the Coyotes do not have a Sidney Crosby to make plays from that area and I don’t think they have a great net-front guy, either.
Running into hot goalies is a great excuse, but you can only go to that well so many times?
— CochiseJack (@CochiseJack) October 6, 2019
Sure. There is a lot of good goalies in the NHL. You can’t use that excuse every night but Jaroslav Halák’s performance on Saturday was out of the ordinary. It was extraordinary.
I do need to vent: After hearing from both Tocchet and Amanda Kessel that he doesn't like hot dogs how do I (we?) convince other Coyote's fans that the Phil Kessel hot dog thing just isn't funny anymore? (It wasn't all that funny to begin with to be honest.)
— Rose Ford (@RoseColoredFact) October 6, 2019
Maybe we should create a jar for hot dog jokes, similar to the jar for NHL officials, who get charged $1 every time they say “Phoenix” for a penalty instead of “Arizona.” How much should we charge? The average dog goes for $2 and change.
I need to vent about people needing to vent. I have seen two good hockey games in which the puck didn't go into the net. The PP needs more work, but the effort, IMO, is really good.
— 19YOTE (@john181818) October 6, 2019
I’m going to let you vent without venting about you venting about people needing to vent. I saw a decent performance in Anaheim. I saw a very good performance against Boston.
I'm sure it's hard mentally to come back after being out for so long. It seems like Schmaltz still has some rust to shake off. How long is that a reasonable excuse before we should be concerned? And should we expect something similar with Raanta?
— Adam Olshansky (@adam17amo) October 6, 2019
I don’t know that there is a magic number. Every player is different and the injury is one of many factors in that variance. I agree, however, that Schmaltz is still shaking off rust. He admitted it to me on Sunday (more on that later this week) and Rick Tocchet has also seen it.
Raanta was rusty enough that they sent him to Tucson for a conditioning stint. I guess we’ll have to wait and see how long that rust lingers but I would be surprised if he did not play the next game.
Will Hayton finally get his well deserved opportunity on Thursday?
— OG (@IceSchmaltz) October 6, 2019
Maybe. There are often changes after a loss. They know Hayton needs to get enough game experience to warrant keeping him here instead of sending him back to Sault Ste. Marie.
I would not take the following fact to the bank because it occurred in the first of three practices during a four-day stretch without a game, but Hayton was skating with Nick Schmaltz and Christian Dvorak on Sunday.
How long before Rick Tocchet realizes Conor Garland and Carl Soderberg are not 2nd liners and not ideal linemates for Nick Schmaltz? October 6, 2019
Let me answer your question with a question. How long will it take Nick Schmaltz to get up to speed and warrant top-six minutes? That is most definitely a role they want him to assume, but he has to earn it through play. As noted above, he still looks a bit rusty.
How do you watch the @ArizonaCoyotes this season if you have @dish ? That’s my only question.
— Enrico A. Bertoletti TM (@Enrico056) October 6, 2019
Find a good friend who doesn’t mind your frequent visits, find a good sports bar or come to Gila River Arena. I do hope it all works out, though.
No question right now, just a video.
Negative Waves Scenes from Kelly's Heroes Movie https://t.co/Z71i58uqNc via @YouTube
— George Fallar (@gfallar) October 6, 2019
A classic. What a cast.
Also as a follow-up, how long before Tocc and/or management realize that if our top line stays intact we don't have any player capable of complimenting Schmaltz' playmaking abilities on the 2nd line? I don't see one.
— Phil the net Kessel (@CoyotesAvs12) October 6, 2019
I still want to see The Mission Line of Christian Dvorak, Nick Schmaltz and Vinnie Hinostroza.
2 games in isn't big enough a sample size to ask about the team's play honestly. So I'll ask if you have an update on our new goalie's Visa status.
— Josh Collins (@Spoopy_fondue) October 6, 2019
A team source said Sunday they were hopeful he would join the team on Monday.
I don't know anything about anything, but watching last night, I thought the Yotes did a good job of disrupting Boston's possession, but not actually gaining possession themselves–there was a lot of time in the neutral zone. Is that my imagination?
— Sheryl (@Serenade_az) October 6, 2019
I thought they had pretty good offensive zone time. I also thought they were sloppy with the puck.
Coyotes going up against another hot goalie in Fleury on Thursday what do you see changing to get scoring started?
— AZ Sports Girl (@cardsfan10kjd) October 6, 2019
How about voodoo? Short of that, scoring the first goal in a game would certainly help ease tensions; maybe even open the faucet.
Notice I did not use “floodgates.” Baby steps.
How much longer will “play like this more often and the results will come” be an acceptable excuse? Been hearing that for a while now and the results have been the same.
— Richard (@dayngls) October 6, 2019
If they fall too far off the pace it won’t be acceptable. Two games is too short to conduct any substantive analysis. If they are 5-7, or 4-8, and six to eight points off the playoff pace after a month, yeah, I’d be concerned.
I’ve heard a lot of coaches/management follow the theory that you evaluate where you are every quarter of the season (about 20 games). Do you think there is value in that theory rather than over analyzing each game?
— Matt Smith (@Smitty1915) October 6, 2019
Some coaches divide the season into 10-game segments and set goals. It depends on the staff, but yes, I think it is silly to place too much emphasis on one or two performances. Everything we know about data-based analysis says that is too small of a sample size.
Individual player sample sizes offer more evidence over the course of their careers and recent careers, so we may have a better idea of what to expect on that front, but even that is hard to judge when some players may still be climbing their arc, while others may be declining.
Single-game analysis, I think, can be useful for spotting problems or successes, and either correcting or building on them.
Why is Tocchet sticking with Christian Fischer when he's shown repeatedly that he's just not an NHLer
We have Hayton, Bunting, Fasching, Burke, and Merkley who could take that bottom six spot and most likely be more productive.— Matthew Jacobson (@MJacobsonAZ) October 6, 2019
That’s a pretty big assumption on your part that a 22-year-old is not an NHL player. Forgive me, Matt, but I’ll lean toward the trained abilities and assessments of NHL scouts, the Coyotes development staff, its coaching staff and its management staff when making those determinations.
They certainly want more from Fischer, but for the time being, they seem willing to work with him and they have seen some good things from him recently.
I think the Yotes will be okay, they’re playing good and unfortunately not getting rewarded. It’s just more glaring because it’s the first two games of the season. So a non-hockey question, what’s your favorite Chicago-based brewery/beer?
— Hail the Philocalypse (@NicholasB40) October 6, 2019
I like Half Acre (I’m a big Lincoln Park fan) and Off Color’s Mousetrap tap room in River North. By the way, the latter is located at the corner of Kingsbury and, ahem, Blackhawk Street.
It seemed like the puck handling was a little sloppy. Do you think it is a matter of getting the right mix on the lines of do you feel this is a non issue?
— Kathy Boyer (@MyLabbyLove) October 6, 2019
I think it is simply a matter of getting crisper through reps, focus and poise, but I agree, the puck handling was sloppy.
Why didn't they get more scoring than Kessel. It was a glaring need and they got 1 guy?
— Gary Kern (@garykern69) October 6, 2019
Scorers cost money. Also, teams don’t give them away too often. They cost even more in free agency. Normally, too much.
True, these games could have gone either way, but I didn’t see a lot of net front presence. Is that scheme or implementation?
— coyotemick (@coyotemick25) October 6, 2019
No, it is not scheme. Rick Tocchet would like to see even more of that, but I do think they are doing a better job of getting to the net and playing inside the dots than they did last year.
Why does it seem like Keller doesn’t play through an entire play?
— PoopsiePdub (@PdubPoopsie) October 6, 2019
I haven’t noticed that this season. I think Clayton Keller has been one of their best players.
Is there a specific example you are citing?
Not really a vent on the team, the wins will come if they stay the course…..
But there’s been some grumbling over Luke Lapinski’s post game show getting preempted by some syndicated junk…. again.
I mean WHAT THE HELL!!??
WE NEED OUR LUKE LAPINSKI POST GAME FIX!!!!
— TheLegend (@TheLegend_AZ) October 7, 2019
That’s a question for 910 AM. I’m not sure if it was an accident, if it was automated or if they just wanted to shut Luke up.
I agree, we need more Luke. The Coyotes agree, too. He is doing four podcasts for them. I think his podcast total is a Guinness world record and brings his list of jobs to seven (he says only six, but one is off the books in Guam).
I bought Luke a book recently. It’s called “Sleep While Walking.” Tibetan monks swear by it (actually, this has not been confirmed because they have not returned my calls, even though I name-dropped The Athletic in a snobby, George Plimpton voice).
I just like memes. pic.twitter.com/MYEPNaD1mf
— Trey Terry (@treyterry) October 6, 2019
I also like memes. And pizza.
are we allowed to be frustrated and angry ?
— tommy? (@TCaprise) October 6, 2019
You do you, @TCaprise. Think of me as your hockey therapist. I’m here for you. Help me help you.
The top line has been good. They created a bunch of chances in both games. I like that there are more bodies going to the net. I would like to see more shots when the screens are there. Deflections and rebounds work in the NHL.
— ChrisFaciana (@ChrisFaciana) October 6, 2019
Agree on all of that, Chris. Greasy goals are still good goals, although they really aren’t greasy. If they were, they’d probably have to find a new puck.
Why can't we score? Do they not coach scoring practice? Will we finally get rid of Goligoski? Will Schmaltz start playing like well?
— Roman Princ (@PrincRoman) October 6, 2019
I don’t know. It’s a mystery.
They do practice scoring. Often, it leads to scoring, but so far, only in practice.
I don’t know. They don’t seem so determined to get rid of Alex Goligoski.
I don’t know, but I think Nick Schmaltz will get better with reps
This isn't about the Yotes, but its kinda related. Could you find out how pften the Roadrunners will wear their Kachina jerseys?
— Roman Princ (@PrincRoman) October 6, 2019
A team source told me they would reveal that information soon, certainly before the home opener on Oct. 18.
What are your thoughts on Nick S? I feel he hasn't been explosive when watching him through 2 games. Just doesn't have the same speed that was tantalizing last year.
— Stephen Vice (@StephenVice) October 6, 2019
Agreed. I touched on this above. Nick Schmaltz looks rusty after such a long layoff and he admitted as much on Sunday. The Coyotes need to see more speed from him through the neutral zone, more poise with the puck and more dynamic play overall.
What's better, hot dogs or brats?
IMO, brats and a good hefeweizen— c h r i s t i n a (@xtinapillsbury) October 6, 2019
It depends on the brats. If I’m sitting on the Memorial Union Terrace at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, by all means, give me a brat. But I am picky about my brats. Many are bland or mealy. If that’s the case, give me a Vienna Beef hot dog instead (a cut above all other dogs).
With either, I will gladly accept a thick, wheaty Hefeweizen. There is a place in Madison (it’s called the Come Back In) that serves superb Hefes.
It seems like a lot of people really don’t like Goligoski and would rather have Capo in the line up. Personally I think Goligoski is ok. What’s your take on Goligoski and do you think the coyotes will trade him with him having a M-NTC now? And what would you expect in return?
— Cam (@Nystqt) October 6, 2019
I don’t sense any desire to trade Goligoski, but if they are out of the playoff race at the trade deadline, that could change simply because he’s 34, he makes a big salary and another team might want a veteran defenseman for a postseason run. I’m not sure what the return would be.
Have you dropped anyone else’s sticks? Will you please?
— coyoteinphilly (@hornsandhockey) October 6, 2019
This may shock you, but nobody has asked for my services.
Why do you think Schmaltz and Keller aren’t playing together this season given the chemistry they had last year? Don’t get me wrong, Keller, Stepan, and Kessel have been a good line just curious because Schmaltz isn’t looking so hot in his current line.
— Jul ♡ (@julzey91) October 6, 2019
You answered your own question. Kessel, Keller and Stepan have had great chemistry.
Why do we dump and chase into the offensive zone so often?
— Saint Neon (@SaintNeonSpeaks) October 6, 2019
They dump and chase when the situation calls for that play. Sometimes, the safer play is better than turning it over at the blue line and getting caught in transition — the most dangerous time for a defense. That said, they want to play with the puck and it is always preferable to gain the offensive zone with possession. It’s all about reads.
What PP2 unit do you think the Coyotes should put out there to be productive?
— 99.6 The Howl (@996TheHowl) October 6, 2019
I am unqualified to answer such a question. So much analysis goes into those decisions to which I am not privy. It is logical, however, that players with offensive upside such as Vinnie Hinostroza, Jakob Chychrun and Jordan Oesterle should be out there.
Is this team ever going to show any aggression or physical play? To my eyes they are extremely soft , and not a very hard team to play against. Is Tocchet ok with all the perimeter play on offense and no net front presence?
— andy ozolnieks (@andyozolnieks) October 6, 2019
Rick Tocchet would not be OK with perimeter play and no net-front, but that has been far less of an issue this season, as the heat maps of shots from the first two games clearly show.
I do wonder if this team has enough bite in the lineup. Part of being hard to play against is simply being relentless, but there is a heavy element that can also work. If you don’t have lots of high-end skill, it may be more of a need.
The team has played well defensively and in the pipes which is nice to see against two good teams. What have you heard with how to they plan to get Kessel going? We need him to play like a star and Keller as a budding star. Also when will Hayton get opportunities?
— Jay Will (@JayWillNBA) October 6, 2019
Phil Kessel has arguably been the best player on the ice in both games so it seems that he is already “going.” I think Barrett Hayton will get an opportunity soon; perhaps even Thursday against Vegas.
When will RT change up the powerplay? Dreadful all of last year and terrible so far this year.
— Hogan (@htracy91) October 6, 2019
They have had three opportunities and a short fourth one. If teams changed that frequently they’d be changing all the time. This unit needs reps for the personnel to adjust to each other. Phil Housley is new. Phil Kessel is new. Nick Schmaltz played only 17 games with the unit. It will take time but, by and large, I think they have the right personnel on that unit, based on what is available on this roster.
Which forward has impressed you the most in the two games?
— Hockey Lists (@ListsHockey) October 6, 2019
Phil Kessel. He has been dynamic and he has been responsible defensively. The first line has created half of the team’s Grade-A chances and Kessel is a big reason.
What are your thoughts on why the Yotes start so badly? Yes I Know only 2 games so far, but this feels awfully familiar?
— Rob Buelow (@Robrev2) October 6, 2019
If you mean wins and losses, each year is its own set of circumstances. This year, they played a pretty good game in Anaheim and a very good game against Boston. They simply have to break the dam and score. Their big players have to produce, but their young guys also need to take another step.
when do u think the plug will be pulled on 33
— Nathan Pennington (@pennington1934) October 6, 2019
As stated above, I don’t sense any urgency on the team’s part to do so. That said, Alex Goligoski does make a good salary, he is 34, and he is in the second-to-last year of his deal. He’ll have to produce but let’s see what Phil Housley can do for him.
What’s the situation with Adin Hill? My speculation was that he’s upset about the Kuemper extension and being blocked for 2 more years (assuming Raanta is healthy), but I’m also someone who agrees with @JaimeEisner’s opinions more often than not
— Joe (@probably_muted) October 6, 2019
Well, he got pulled after a rough start in Tucson on Sunday. I can’t imagine he’s happy about seeing his path blocked, but I haven’t heard that said explicitly and those are common hurdles in the NHL that players have to battle through. It’s called competition.
I am concerned about your latter statement.
They need to put Schmaltz and Hayton on the same line, it will solve the scoring problem.
— 🤷🏻♂️ (@_colecunningham) October 6, 2019
They were practicing together on Sunday. We may see it soon.
I know that Tocchet sees himself in Fischer, but he seems to not make any impact while he's on the ice. Last year Fischer lived on potential, after 2 games I've seen enough. Either play Hayton or send him back to juniors. Also, Is Garland really a top 6 forward?
— Mike Covert (@MichaelCovert) October 6, 2019
I don’t think the Coyotes have seen enough. I don’t think Christian Fischer is going anywhere. Barrett Hayton could play soon. Conor Garland is averaging the third least ice time of any forward. Is he a top-six forward?
How mad is Darcy Keumper right now? Best goalie in the NHL sporting an 0-2 record for his troubles.
— Imaravencawcaw (@Imaravencawcaw) October 6, 2019
I haven’t sensed any anger in Darcy Kuemper. Ever.
Are you regretting Kessel yet?
— johnm419 (@johnm419) October 7, 2019
No. He has arguably been their best player through two games.
Can the Cardinals have their defense please?
— AZ Sports Girl (@cardsfan10kjd) October 7, 2019
I dunno. Can the Bears have Patrick Mahomes?
Can you explain the coyotes assistant coaching situation this year? It seems Housley is doing all the offense? Plus what piece offensively do you see missing for them to finish? The games haven’t been awful just no finish.
— Justin Lisonbee (@jmlisonbee) October 7, 2019
Phil Housley coaches the defense and the power play. John MacLean coaches the forwards and the penalty kill. Corey Schwab coaches the goalies. Steve Peters has 100 duties.
Thoughts on Dvorak not living up to the $$$
Would the Yotes get anything worth it if they trade him ?— Razorray3 (@rrangel3) October 7, 2019
Are you basing this on the 20 games he played after returning from a pair of injuries last season or the two he has played this season (heavy sarcasm font)? I haven’t minded Dvorak’s play at all.
Team is in much need of some grit and forecheck pressure the need a guy or two that will go in and wear out an opposing defense – they haven’t had that kind of line besides Garland who is about the only player I see in mixing it ??
— PWR FRWD (@crushnowski) October 7, 2019
As I noted above, I wonder if this team has enough bite. Lawson Crouse and Christian Fischer are two guys who should be able to deliver more of it.
SEASON IS OVER ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER THIS MAILBAG. CRAIG HAS NO FIRE TO PUT OUT THIS ICE COLD START. FIRE EVERYONE.
— Greg (@gregdunaway) October 7, 2019
Thanks for your input, Greg. Always appreciated… SECURITY!
Do you think our attendance will climb the ranks this year? Here's where we were at last season. pic.twitter.com/Yr9fN862db
— Celeste Sepessy (@csepessy) October 7, 2019
I suspect much of that will depend on the performance of the team, but the Coyotes also have a location problem comparable only to the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers.
You got some nice face time interviewing OEL post-game last night. How many other journalists in the press box had a tie on that late into the night?
— Todd in Phoenix (@toddinphx) October 7, 2019
Cat never wears a tie. It’s shocking.
Why aren't Keller and Schmaltz playing on the same line if they already have proven chemistry?
— Kyle Hildebrand (@khildebrand98) October 7, 2019
Because Keller, Kessel and Stepan also have chemistry.
And the last word goes to…
— Sergio Mendez (@PimaResMendez) October 7, 2019
(Top photo of Phil Kessel on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019: Matt Kartozian / USA Today Sports)