How can you not be cheering for the Arizona Coyotes this season?
One of the most tortured teams and fan bases over the past decade or so is finally seeing sunlight as playoffs approach. Riding a recent hot streak, the 'Yotes have ascended the standings and currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the West. With teams like Edmonton, Chicago, and even Colorado becoming more distant in the rear view mirror, Arizona is hoping to hold off Minnesota for that coveted spot.
With 11 games remaining for both teams and Arizona sitting three points ahead, the Coyotes could very possibly be headed to the post-season. It would be the first time since 2012 if they pull it off.
Everyone seems fairly surprised, and for good reason. Not only have the 'Yotes just simply become associated with losing in a lot of people's minds, but they also have a very non-typical playoff roster. In fact, they may finish the year without a 20-goal scorer.
Currently, Brad Richardson leads the team with 16 goals in 55 games. That's an average of 0.29 goals per game. At that pace, he will score 3 goals in the remaining 11 games. If this comes true, he'll finish with 19 goals. That total was certainly helped along by his 4-goal game.
After Richardson, Alex Galchenyuk and Vinnie Hinostroza each have 15 goals. They've each played 61 games, though, so their goals per game is even lower.
The Coyotes have dealt with a ton of injuries this year, which is definitely a contributing factor. In fact, of their top 12 scorers only Clayton Keller has played in every game this year.
When it's all said and done, the Coyotes may be heading to the playoffs without even having a single 20-goal scorer. Hats off to Darcy Kuemper, Calvin Pickard, and the injured Antti Raanta in net.
(H/T NHL.com)
