Some fans may have noticed but the Arizona Coyotes seem to be playing a more physical brand of hockey to start the season. A large part of this new transformation is thanks to forwards Jack McBain and Liam O’Brien. These two forwards have really set the tone for the Coyotes physically. McBain and O’Brien play the game with a fire that is rare. While not being the most gifted skaters, they hustle and play hard-nosed hockey that is extremely frustrating for opponents to face. André Tourigny spoke with the media prior to the Coyotes matchup against the Blues The “two bad boys” of the team are never afraid to fight and oftentimes give the Coyotes life due to their ability to shift momentum with crushing hits. Players like McBain and O’Brien are perfect for a young Coyotes team that’s looking to find an identity. Coach André Tourigny sometimes even opens games or periods with McBain and O’Brien’s line alongside Alexander Kerfoot not because of their scoring ability but because of the energy they bring. Speaking of points though, McBain and O’Brien have not been half bad in that category. Through 12 games, McBain currently has four goals, three assists and seven points while O’Brien has two goals, three assists and five points. If the Coyotes are indeed striving to make the playoffs, it’s the gritty and tough players that are ultimately going to be the tone setters at times and that’s exactly what McBain and O’Brien provide on the ice. For all future opponents of Arizona, watch out for these two players because they are not afraid of a little confrontation.
