Through four games, the Arizona Coyotes are tied for last in the standings with two points, and have been shut out in three of four games including last night’s loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Incredibly, they rank fifth in shots on goal this season (36.5 per game) and yet have only two goals to show for it. Modern analytics (think Corsi) contend that shot volume is the most important correlator to team success, even moreso than shot quality, but in the early season at least, that hasn't held true for the Coyotes.
Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters including Matt Layman of Arizona Sports that he wasn’t exactly worried by the trend so far.
“We’re getting 30-plus — I mean if we’re not getting our chances, we’re not getting shots, then I’d be worried, in the sense I’ve got to look and start moving [lines]... But you can’t keep moving lines every time because you’re not scoring. You’re getting chances and shots, but a guy hits a [goalie] in the logo. Some guys, you’ve got to pick the corner.” — Rick Tocchet
Meanwhile, Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta expressed a bit of frustration with his offense. Sabres head coach Phil Housley was less happy about being outshot by Arizona, but he pointed out some of the reasons why they came out on top regardless.
In all likelihood, more of the Coyotes’ shots on goal will find the back of the net, but they may have some kinks to work out on offense as well — Cat Silverman of The Athletic points out that their pre-shot movement is lackluster and simplifying the goaltender’s job.
Maybe they just need to get Mario Kempe in there for a few more shifts and have him rip off a few of these.
h/t Arizona Sports
