In the fantasy world that exists in my mind, Schmaltz cant go due to post-concussion protocol and so Hayton draws in. Thus the legend of "Big Shot Barrett" is born and the Coyotes begin a successful 10 year run of sustained success.
I thought the Hawks had a chance b/c of their playoff experience. I didn't know that the Oil was so bad 5 on 5. If Chi stays out of box they can win this. Tipp's loyalty to Smitty... I think that's vamanos. Listening to Oil radio, they were said Smitty has best post season goals against of all time.
Edmonton was incredibly reliant on special teams success this season. They were bad at 5-on-5 all year. Agreed on Smith, too. Tip probably hoped Mike could rekindle his magic against the Hawks, but they have to make a change now. There is no tomorrow in this 5-game format.
All of this said, I'm still surprised how poor Edmonton's defensive structure was. That's not characteristic of a Tippett-coached team. I had a bunch of people suggest to me that defensive structure would take a while to re-establish. Maybe that was the problem.
I listened on Oil radio feed. Pre game Downtown Rob Brown thought Oil would sweep... On radio you wouldn't even know the building is empty. Why can't we have any 30 goal rookie scorers? Hell, why can't we have ANY 30 goal scorers at all... It's why the Coyotes feel they are so far back from other teams. Seems like everyone has something. Chayka didn't do a good job, bottom line.
Great write-up. I'm hoping specifically that the forwards remember how to score and the Nashville goaltending duo continues their mediocre-to-bad season (while our goalies return to early season form). IMO that's our best shot at winning.
Any word on the NHL player safety opinion on Reaves hit on Schmaltz. Definitely hit to the head....intentional or not it is a part of the game they are trying to remove ...sure would send a message to make him sit for a bit
Would you buy a "NHL Qualifying Round Champions" t shirt? Like purchasing "AL Play In Champions" swag. Also will there be champagne after this round? Thanks!
Loving the in-depth coverage. Worth every penny.
Thanks, Marc. It was a crazy week.
In the fantasy world that exists in my mind, Schmaltz cant go due to post-concussion protocol and so Hayton draws in. Thus the legend of "Big Shot Barrett" is born and the Coyotes begin a successful 10 year run of sustained success.
Strong possibility after Schmaltz missed practice on Saturday.
I pick the coyotes solely b/c of the goaltending.
I am leaning in that direction for the same reason, assuming Kuemper can regain his form after a 4-month layoff.
I thought the Hawks had a chance b/c of their playoff experience. I didn't know that the Oil was so bad 5 on 5. If Chi stays out of box they can win this. Tipp's loyalty to Smitty... I think that's vamanos. Listening to Oil radio, they were said Smitty has best post season goals against of all time.
Edmonton was incredibly reliant on special teams success this season. They were bad at 5-on-5 all year. Agreed on Smith, too. Tip probably hoped Mike could rekindle his magic against the Hawks, but they have to make a change now. There is no tomorrow in this 5-game format.
All of this said, I'm still surprised how poor Edmonton's defensive structure was. That's not characteristic of a Tippett-coached team. I had a bunch of people suggest to me that defensive structure would take a while to re-establish. Maybe that was the problem.
I listened on Oil radio feed. Pre game Downtown Rob Brown thought Oil would sweep... On radio you wouldn't even know the building is empty. Why can't we have any 30 goal rookie scorers? Hell, why can't we have ANY 30 goal scorers at all... It's why the Coyotes feel they are so far back from other teams. Seems like everyone has something. Chayka didn't do a good job, bottom line.
Only way they are winning anything. That's their big advantage. Not very good in the other areas. Kuemper gets them game 1 and they are in good shape.
Great article Craig. I don't remember the last time I was so excited to watch a hockey game, probably. I actually do, it was 8 years ago!
I am so ready to be a hockey junkie.
Great write-up. I'm hoping specifically that the forwards remember how to score and the Nashville goaltending duo continues their mediocre-to-bad season (while our goalies return to early season form). IMO that's our best shot at winning.
The Coyotes have to get out of their own end. Nashville is really good on the cycle.
#HowlYeah !! Let's GOOOO !!
You ready?
C'mon Tocchet, give me my Lyubushkin fix!
At some point, you'll get it.
Well...............here we go.
Any word on the NHL player safety opinion on Reaves hit on Schmaltz. Definitely hit to the head....intentional or not it is a part of the game they are trying to remove ...sure would send a message to make him sit for a bit
They thought it was unavoidable. Not sure I agree, but...
Great article this week. And I'm so excited to read about the 'W'
Would you buy a "NHL Qualifying Round Champions" t shirt? Like purchasing "AL Play In Champions" swag. Also will there be champagne after this round? Thanks!
lol. "NHL regular season participants" T-shirts for everyone.