Arizona Coyotes: Not One But TWO Gordie Howe Hat Tricks

Let’s Go… You Wanta Go?

First, it was O’Brien who took on Nick Foligno… no easy opponent. O’Brien took one to the left eye, and he had one large shiner to show for it. But, like most hockey players, he got stitched up and was right back out there. While this is pretty much O’Brien’s role on the team, he showed he can also add to the score sheet when the opportunity arises.

Then, not to be upstaged, McBain added two goals and two assists to accompany his fisticuffs with Jarred Tinordi. Outweighed by 28 pounds and three inches shorter than his opponent, didn’t phase McBain’s decision to go with Tinordi. McBain has four goals and two assists in eight games and has also collected 22 hits. Needless to say, he is the prototype player that GM Bill Armstrong covets. He is physical, can score, and kill penalties. That is why Armstrong deftly resigned the big forward to a two-year deal worth $1.599 million AAV in July.

OH.. and BTW, Michael Carcone Had a Great Game

Carcone is showing why the Yotes added him to their opening night roster with a regular hat trick and an assist in the game. He has added four goals and two assists in seven games. This really takes some pressure off of the first line consisting of Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, and Nick Schmaltz, none of whom scored a single point in the romp. Secondary scoring is really starting to take hold on the Arizona club.

Arizona Coyotes Much Improved

Last season, after eight games, the Coyotes were a disappointing 2-5-1, but their first six games were on the road. This season, they again started on the road with four straight games but came away with two wins. This club seems to be on the path of some much-needed improvement after a 28-40-14 record good for 70 points for the 2022-23 campaign.

There is a good mixture of veterans and young players and the addition of Logan Cooley has surely helped immensely. He is still looking for his first NHL goal while tallying six assists in eight games. He has made a difference in this team’s offensive capabilities and opposing teams are very aware of his abilities. He is getting much-deserved attention and should be a star in the league for years to come.

One thing is certain: if the Arizona Coyotes can play anything close to the way they dominated the Blackhawks, this team will be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Conversely, if they lose sight of the plan and play like they did against the Kings, it could be a long season. Most estimate that the club should gain about 83 points this season. That’s not enough to participate in post-season play, but don’t tell that to McBain or O’Brien unless you’re ready to drop the gloves with them. I would highly suggest you don’t do that!