Here is why Jack McBain's absence due to a lower-body injury is way more significant than many fans may think.
The Arizona Coyotes have been dealing with a multitude of injuries but one that is continuing to be overlooked is the absence of center Jack McBain.
The 23-year-old landed on injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury on November 9 in a game against the St. Louis Blues.
Prior to going down, McBain was playing some great hockey. He had four goals, three assists and seven points in 13 games.
McBain's impact went far beyond his stats. He served as valuable, killing penalties while playing the role of enforcer.
He really elevated his line with Liam O’Brien and Alexander Kerfoot. What seemed like the Coyotes fourth line, turned more into their third line largely due to McBain and his fantastic play.
Since his injury, this line that was playing so well all of the sudden are not really as much of a factor any more.
McBain helped set the tone physically not just with his occasional fights but he always electrified the team with his constant big hits and ability to intimidate opponents due to playing a hard nosed game.
Especially with the injury to Barrett Hayton, McBain’s absence is even more noticeable as the Coyotes are playing without two centers and are now very thin down the middle.
Without McBain for a little bit longer, the Coyotes will have to find a way to continue playing a physical brand of hockey and still keep the same identity they had with him when he was in the lineup.