Overreacting to Coyotes season opening loss

The Coyotes started their season by waking up on the wrong side of the bed in a loss to the Ducks that looked very similar to a lot of the teams losses last season. A 2-1 defeat to goaltender John Gibson. Here are three big overreactions to the loss.

1. Goal scoring is going to be an issue again

It was the biggest question mark heading into the season and they didn’t do anything to curb those criticisms. Outside of the new top line of Clayton Keller, Phil Kessel and Derek Stepan there wasn’t much offense to go around. Rick Tocchet admitted as much after the game 

Yes it’s one game but it’s one game against a team that will not make playoffs and it comes before a stretch where the Coyotes will play four consecutive games against playoff teams from last season

2) That re-worked power play is not good

For whatever reason the referees in Anaheim swallowed their whistles and only two penalties were called all night. Including a third period penalty that gave the Coyotes a chance to tie the game. Unfortunately the Coyotes could not even pop a shot on goal during their lone man advantage. Last season the Coyotes ranked 26th on the power play and need to improve, especially with Phil Kessel anchoring it. 

3) Darcy Kuemper will win the Vezina 

Darcy finished fifth in the Vezina voting last season putting up career numbers in his 55 games and he picked up where he left off in game one stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced & looking every bit the elite tendy he was last season. If Darcy continues to kick ass and only allow two goals or less than the Coyotes are easily a playoff team & Kuemper becomes an immediate favorite for the league’s best goaltender award 

Overreacting is fun but it does have some reality when talking about how important October is to a teams playoff chances as explained by Craig Morgan of The Athletic,

“From Friedman: Nine of the 59 teams that were at least four points out of a playoff spot on Nov. 1 have made the postseason since 2005-06. Two of five did it last year — including St. Louis. The Blues were the first to do it and win the Cup.” 

The Coyotes will host the Bruins in their home opener on Saturday night in front of a standing room only crowd.