NHL Power Rankings: St. Louis Blues start 2019-20 season on top

23. Arizona Coyotes

The Arizona Coyotes were a huge surprise last season. Despite having numerous key injuries, including one to their starting goaltender in November, they finished just four points out of a spot in the postseason.

There are some things worth noting about this, though. Firstly, it will take more than 90 points to earn a postseason spot in the Western Conference. Only the 2015-16 Minnesota Wild required fewer points to make the postseason since the start of the 2013-14 season. Secondly, the Coyotes got terrific goaltending, and goaltending is a bit unpredictable.

The addition of Phil Kessel should help their chances of making the playoffs. He’s the most talented player they’ve had in quite some time. Kessel is lethal when he has the puck. His postseason heroics helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

It’s clear the Coyotes are more talented than they were last year. But I’m curious if they’ll remain as strong as they were defensively. Last year, they were terrific defensively, but it cost them on offense. It’s up to head coach Rich Tocchet to balance the Coyotes offensive talent and their blueline talent.

Arizona making the postseason is certainly plausible, but it’s still not likely. If they continue to get great goaltending, the Coyotes should make the playoffs. But I’m not sold they will.