5 Things We've Learned From the Arizona Coyotes' Early-Season Action

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things We've Learned From the Arizona Coyotes' Early-Season Action

Gila River Arena
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There have always been questions around the Arizona Coyotes' franchise and how hockey can thrive in the desert. The NHL was born in the state of Arizona, just prior to the start of the 1996-97 campaign, after relocating from the city of Winnipeg. There are lots of questions about the state of the team off the ice, but there appears to be some solid pieces on this franchise.

5. Dave Tippett Continues To Prove His Worth As Head Coach

Dave Tippett, Arizona Coyotes
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5. Dave Tippett Continues To Prove His Worth As Head Coach

Dave Tippett, Arizona Coyotes
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It seems that at the beginning of every season, there are names that immediately come to mind as coaches that could be ousted as head coach and walking a fine line, and coach Tippett is on that list. He replaced Hall-of-Famer Wayne Gretzky behind the bench in September, 2009, and has been a forgotten success in the southwestern United States. Tippett continues to be a gem behind the bench for the Coyote franchise this season.

4. Max Domi Appears To Have Better Future In NHL Than His Father

Max Domi, Tie Domi
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4. Max Domi Appears To Have Better Future In NHL Than His Father

Max Domi, Tie Domi
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In 1,020 career games in the NHL, enforcer Tie Domi scored 245 regular season points playing with the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Forward Max Domi, age 20, looks like a great player after being drafted 12th overall by the Coyotes franchise in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He has nine points in eight games and seems to be working well with fellow forward Anthony Duclair as a franchise players.

3. Anthony Duclair Is A Special Talent

Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes
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3. Anthony Duclair Is A Special Talent

Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes
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The former New York Rangers 2013 draft pick has flourished in the desert. He moved from the hockey spotlight of Madison Square Garden and into a smaller market of Arizona and seems to be succeeding. He was traded last March, along with defenseman John Moore and two draft picks, for defensemen Keith Yandle and Chris Summers. Duclair, age 20, has eight points in his first seven games for the team and is doing very well as a pro NHL player.

2. Goaltending Is Very Sub-Par

Mike Smith, Arizona Coyotes
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2. Goaltending Is Very Sub-Par

Mike Smith, Arizona Coyotes
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Goaltender Mike Smith has seven starts this season and has a record of 3-2-1. He's given up 16 goals in those starts. His goals against average is 2.49, and if the Coyotes have any plans to be under consideration for playoff dates, their goaltending has to improve considerably. Backup goalie Anders Lindback is not going to challenge Smith for the top job manning the net, so hopes are solely pinned upon goalie Smith.

1. Future is still uncertain in the desert, but foundation is finally htere

Duclair - Domi
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1. Future is still uncertain in the desert, but foundation is finally there

Duclair - Domi
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For a number of years now, there have been discussions about the future of the Arizona Coyotes and whether the team would relocate back to Canada. The future is still uncertain at the Gila River Arena, but the franchise has a bright future with two promising prospects to build their franchise around. Players have not always wanted to remain in Arizona, but if the Coyotes can find the money, these two are very special talents.

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