The Western Conference is just a mess. Looking at the standings right now, the Coyotes hold the eighth spot one point away from the Blackhawks and tied with their opponent the Minnesota Wild. One point behind Anaheim and Colorado (currently playing right now as I write this) and two points behind Nashville.
You could go down the list and see that Columbus, all the way down at the 14th spot, still has a legitimate shot. It will make for some exciting hockey for the next 29 games.
This journey will be a grind, both mentally and physically.
My concern has been not “OMG! They are done for and out of the playoffs!!111!!” but rather in the way their last five periods have been, getting a three goal lead and then losing it to the tune of 11 goals to 0. I would go back to the game against the Greasers to point to the possible crack in their psyche.
I watched the replay of the Stars vs. Bruins matchup and even though the Bruins knocked the Stars around a bit, and had a very dirty hit that put out one of the Stars’ players, they didn’t take any crap from anybody, especially when the Stars wanted to goon it up and start fighting at the beginning of the game. The Bruins said, “No way, not in our barn” and made it very difficult on the Stars’ team. I would like to see the Coyotes employ something of the same.
I’m not suggesting that the Coyotes become the Broad Street Bullies and have Paul Bissonnette go roughshod over anyone. I am suggesting though they find that defensive, physical mindset and find it fast. The players need to win those one-on-one battles and if they happen to get knocked around a bit, they need to get up and try again. To me, they looked like they gave up against the Canucks. That can’t happen again. Ever.
Because this will be a grueling struggle to the finish. And the team that is the most resilient will succeed.
Game On.
Original Story:
http://onefansperspective.com/2011/02...
