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NHL Power Rankings: Week 9 Injuries, Prospects, In-Depth Analysis

By Matt Duscharme

Dec 5, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and left wing Carl Hagelin (62) congratulate a goal by defenseman Justin Schultz (middle) against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and left wing Carl Hagelin (62) congratulate a goal by defenseman Justin Schultz (middle) against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Power Rankings: Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) defends during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) defends during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 25 (-4)

Team Record: (8-13-4)

Goals For: 55

Goals Against: 79

Special Teams

PP: 11-for-74 (14.9 percent) (22nd)
PK: 16-for-81 (80.2 percent) (T-22nd)

Injury List

Brad Richardson (leg) – Indefinitely
Dave Bolland (lower body) – Indefinitely

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Radim Vrbata (25gp 8g 9a 17pts)
Top Defenseman: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (25gp 5g 8a 13pts)
Top Rookie: Christian Dvorak/Anthony DeAngelo (D) (21gp 2g 5a 7pts/11gp 2g 5a 7pts)
Top Goaltender: Mike Smith (4 wins 2.77GAA .924 save percentage)

Player of the Week: D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (4gp 0g 3a 3pts)

Arizona continues to tread water with another lousy week. They played four games over the last seven days and managed just a single point going 0-3-1. Now sitting at 8-13-4 through 25 games, the Coyotes are in competition with the Colorado Avalanche for the worst record in the NHL. The Avs have one less point with a game in hand heading into Thursday’s action.

Let’s discuss Mike Smith for a moment. He showed a ton of promise upon returning from injury. Other than allowing four goals on 17 shots in his second start, Smith provided four strong outings allowing two or fewer goals. Unfortunately, he’s now allowed four goals in two of his last three starts. Here’s the thing folks: Mike Smith is an incredibly streaky goaltender. Other than a couple of solid seasons, he’s very inconsistent. I’m not sure how much of that has to do with his propensity for getting hurt, but nonetheless, it’s a tough guy to win games with. He might be better suited as a second option in a tandem.

Both Martin Hanzal and Anthony Duclair continue to swirl in trade rumors. Given his down play, it’s difficult to imagine another GM paying the premium to acquire Duclair. That being said, if the right offer comes along, who knows. These analytical teams think a bit differently and hence operate differently from the norm.

Here are two hypothetical trades involving each player that could make sense for both clubs:

Arizona trades F Martin Hanzal to Montreal in exchange for G Zach Fucale, F Sven Andrighetto, and a draft pick

Arizona trades F Anthony Duclair to NY Islanders in exchange for G Jean-Francois Berube, F Michael Dal Colle, and a 1st round draft pick

Weekly Prospect Profile: D Kyle Wood, Tucson (AHL)

2016-17 stats: 16gp 4g 12a 16pts

There’s plenty of reason to be exciting if you’re a Coyotes fan. They’ve got a plethora of young talent just waiting to break through. Sitting just behind Anthony DeAngelo (and not far back) is former North Bay Battalion (OHL) Kyle Wood. The giant 6’5 223lbs right-handed defender joined AHL Tucson for his first year of pro hockey in 2016-17. Known as an offensively gifted blueliner, Wood is already producing at a point-per-game pace. If he can further develop his defensive game, Kyle could have a bright future in Arizona.

– Ryan Ritchie

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