Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The month of November was anything but smooth for the Arizona Coyotes, but there were still some memorable goals worth a second look.
November was a better month for the Arizona Coyotes than October.
The team went 6-4-3, and much of that is due to the return and stellar play of goaltender Mike Smith.
The team continues to struggle with puck possession and defensive play, but the offense has shown some glimpses of life.
It is those moments that remind fans that this is a process, and the future still looks very bright.
How bright?
Spoiler alert: Three of the top five goals from November came from the rookies.
#5: Vrbata Gift Wraps Goal For Martinook
Radim Vrbata may be 35 years old, but man can he still make a play.
This play was beautiful from start to finish.
Max Domi makes a perfect chip pass to create the 2-on-1, but who would peg Vrbata, a known shooter, to wait out the goalie and pass back to Jordan Martinook?
Calvin Pickard didn’t, and that left a COMPLETELY open net for Martyman to finish it off.
He probably won’t score an easier goal in his career.
#4: Lawson Crouse’s First NHL Goal
To many, it was a little bit of a surprise when the Arizona Coyotes announced that Lawson Crouse had made the opening night roster.
Two month’s into the season, however, he has developed into the perfect role player.
He’s big, he’s got speed, he kills penalties. What more could you ask for?
Oh yeah. He’s got some skill too. Deflections in front aren’t easy.
Players like Crouse are exactly the kind of role players you need in today’s NHL.
He can do a little of everything, and that is what makes him such a valuable member of the team moving forward.
Kudos to GM John Chayka for another of many smart moves.
#3: DeAngelo’s First NHL Goal
Speaking of smart moves by John Chayka, go ahead and throw in the Anthony DeAngelo trade as well.
With 9 points in his first 15 NHL games, giving up a second round pick for this kid is looking more and more like a steal every day.
He has his defensive lapses (Who on this team doesn’t?) but he finds away to make an impact offensively every night.
Bottom line: keep an eye on him. He’s fun to watch.
This goal really sums up what he brings.
Excellent cross-ice pass to Max Domi in stride, the awareness to open himself up for a return pass, and the pure talent to snipe it home.
He’s a defenseman, by the way.
#2: Duclair Finally Gets One
You’ve got to feel for Anthony Duclair this season.
A sharp drop in his shooting percentage and some bad luck has left the Duke with only one goal on the year.
What a goal it was, though.
Teaming up with his buddy Max Domi, the Killer D’s showed a flash of the brilliance we saw so often a season ago.
Good passing through the neutral zone, a sweet move by Domi to get around the D, and soft hands from Duclair to finish top it off.
The Coyotes are going to need more plays like this from Duclair if they are going to turn their season around, especially with Domi out long term.
If nothing else, this goal showed that he has the smarts and the skill to make an impact. He just needs to find some confidence in his game.
If the hockey gods are listening, a lucky bounce or two for the Duke would be a great Christmas gift.
#1: Dvorak Shows A Glimpse Of The Future
This is what it’s all about.
This season hasn’t gone as many hoped, but plays like this are like glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel.
We’re not there yet, so don’t get too excited. But wow, this was pretty.
Fans shouldn’t be too surprised to see Christian Dvorak scoring goals (he scored 52 in 59 games last year in junior).
This was no ordinary goal, though. Dvorak’s speed, skill, and smarts were all on display here, culminating in one of the best goals of the season.
What a way to score your first, and here’s to many more for Dvo.
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