The Arizona Coyotes have a different identity and image this season. They are no longer the team opposing players mark on their schedules as an easy win. These Coyotes are different. Over the past few seasons, losing has just been a part of the Coyotes DNA but slowly it has changed until now where the tides are really beginning to turn. Through the first 15 games of the season, Arizona holds a 7-6-2 record and are very much in the Western Conference wild card hunt. What is it about these Coyotes that has drastically changed? The Coyotes are playing as a team and have more belief in themselves which has translated on the ice. Arizona also has a tendency to stick around and fight hard each and every game no matter what the score is. Last week against the Nashville Predators, the Coyotes overcame two multi-goal deficits to win 7-5 and yesterday night against the Dallas Stars who are the best team in the Central Division, the Coyotes went toe-to-toe with them putting up a resilient fight before ultimately losing 4-3 in overtime. These past two games on the road really show how far the Coyotes have truly gone over the past couple years. Lawson Crouse spoke following the Coyotes 4-3 loss to the Stars. “Obviously we feel we battled all game,” Lawson Crouse said after their loss to the Stars. “It’s been a theme of our group not to give up. It’s obviously disappointing we couldn’t come away with the win but we did our best and we fought until the very end. Proud of our group…” It’s a long season and it really has only just begun but the Coyotes are a team that possesses a ton of passion and heart that should not be overlooked going forward.
