The Arizona Coyotes have arguably one of the most underrated trios that deserve to be talked about more. Matias Maccelli, Nick Bjugstad and Lawson Crouse have become a staple line for the Coyotes offense. Upon coach André Tourigny’s most recent changes to the lineup it was this line that was the only one to stay intact which shows the level of trust he has in these three playing together. The reason Maccelli, Bjugstad and Crouse are so successful with one another is that they all serve a specific role and play to their strengths. Maccelli is the orchestrator and quarterback of this line as he is a phenomenal playmaker, being able to find his two linemates in perfect scoring positions. He currently has 3 goals, 12 assists and 15 points which is enough to rank him first in assists and third in points amongst all Coyotes players. André Tourigny spoke following the Coyotes 6-5 loss to the Blues. Crouse has been Arizona’s hottest offensive weapon as of late. He leads the team with nine goals and is nearly impossible to stop when he gets to the right spots on the ice. He has a big frame which he uses to maintain strong puck possession but more importantly, Crouse uses it to generate a powerful shot that has proven to be extremely lethal, hence his nine goals. Bjugstad, similar to Crouse, has a big frame but is also lengthy which makes him an excellent puck handler and finisher in front of the net. It’s Bjugstad’s four goals, nine assists and 13 points that shows how complete of a player he truly is, contributing both as a scorer and as a playmaker, helping generate plays. If the Coyotes are to make a playoff push, this line will have to continue being one of the driving forces offensively.
