You had pointed out the drastic improvement in fewer goals allowed and the overall shorthanded situations. Certainly that comes with the much better defensive play and of course the impact of Ilya Bryzgalov. The lower goals-against-average is a big indicator. Another huge difference is much fewer penalties. They had commited the most penalties in the entire league last season, right? Staying out of the box means more opportunities for your scoring threats to work.

But despite the first half and early second half success, one thing that is a little troubling is that the Coyotes have scored fewer goals than even last season through 47 games. I know they’re a bit offensively challenged with this young club, but if Phoenix is going to make that playoff push, they’re going to need more consistent production from their forwards.