I have written several times over the last few weeks that I do not think the Coyotes will make the playoffs this year.
Granted, the league's parity situation means that any team can get lucky and make it, but I do not think they are likely to, although I hope I am wrong.
Without getting too mush into it, the main problem I see them having is that their first line will be constantly outmatched by other team's first lines. The overall depth of the lineup is good, but I don't think that matters when you can't ice elite players that compare to other teams'.
That said, here are three things I think the Coyotes can do to make the Playoffs.
1. Get Amazing Goaltending
Last year Darcy Kuemper had one of the 50 best save percentage seasons of anyone who ever played over 50 games. It was impressive and he probably should have been nominated for the Vezina, and he probably shouldn't have to fight for a job this year.
But a healthy Annti Raanta is one of the best goalies in the world.
but if they get it.......
2. Someone Becomes a Franchise Player
There are two ways to get a franchise player:
1. You draft first overall in one of the non-dud years.
2. You get extremely lucky.
No one could have predicted that Nikita Kucherov would be as good as he is. Same goes with Patrice Bergeron, Kris Letang, Duncan Keith or Johnny Gaudreau. Even Erik Karlsson wasn't a top ten pick.
Whether it's Chychrun, Keller, Hayton, or some as of yet unforeseen player coming out of nowhere, the Coyotes getting an elevated performance that turns a good player into a great one would go a long way in improving this team.
3. Get Breakouts from Everyone
The Coyotes have Christian Dvorak, Clayton Keller, Jacob Chychrun and Nick Schmaltz locked into long-term deals that are, in reality, bets that those players will take great steps forward.
If they want to win this year - or even just make the playoffs - all four of those guys are going to have to either "get it" or in the case of Schmaltz, prove it wasn't a fluke.
if all four of those guys put up first line numbers, we've got a team.
I just think it's like hoping for a no-hitter. You might get it, but it's not likely to happen even if everything goes right.
I realize that at least two of things would just apply to any team, but being universal doesn't mean they aren't important. The Coyotes can make the playoffs, but they are gonna need some help to get there.