Cooley Impresses in Game 1 and Roadrunners off to Hot Start
Welcome to the THW Arizona Coyotes Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Coyotes writers.
In today’s edition, we have Coyotes’ Cooley & Schmaltz among positives from game 1, and Roadrunner’s young guns stepping up in early success.
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Coyotes’ Cooley & Schmaltz Among Positives From Game 1
October 15, 2023 by Cooper Krigbaum
Coming into the season opener, the Arizona Coyotes had a different vibe surrounding them this time around. Instead of looking at the upcoming draft class and where they could select, it was now how many games this team could win. Some even have the Coyotes as a dark horse to make the playoffs, which would be quite the change from where this team was two seasons ago. It was also a big night for rookie Logan Cooley, who was set to make his maiden voyage in the NHL, along with 15 family members in attendance.
One of the many standouts from the Coyotes’ opener against the New Jersey Devils was Nick Schmaltz. Schmaltz has been with the team since being traded from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018 and has been a big part of the offense. Despite the success, he’s constantly been injured and has yet to play an entire season with the Coyotes. This is, of course, an issue he’s been dealing with for a while, and with his first game under his belt, he looked more decisive, faster, and arguably the best player on the ice.
Roadrunner’s Young Guns Stepping Up in Early Success
October 18, 2023 by Richard Jelinek
The Tucson Roadrunners are 2-0 in the young season, and they’re buying into winning as a team. Last season, they finished just below .500 with a record of 30-33-0-8 for 69 points and ended up in eighth place in the Pacific Division. The roster has changed quite a bit, and the results, as of now, are paying off.
With only two games played thus far, Tucson is outscoring the opposition 5-3, and the four points gained place them tied for the Pacific Division lead. Both games were played on the road, with the home opener coming on Oct. 21 against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at the Tucson Arena. Head coach Steve Potvin has preached a defensive style of hockey and more structure in all three zones, which is paying off.