From The Broadcast Booth
Hanzal will win the Selke Award, just a matter of time. NHL.com recently did a “Coyote Ugly” story, highlighting the struggles of 2nd year players Martin Hanzal and Peter Mueller. I like to think when I watch a player game in and game out, practice in and practice out, that I have a pretty good feel as to whether that player is playing well or not playing well.
The Coyotes went into the season with a plan. They committed to 4 fresh faced rookies, to go along with 5 key sophomore players, with Mueller and Hanzal the centerpieces on their roster, as far as sophomores are concerned. That is more responsibility than any other team.
There have been definite stretches where Mueller has struggled. He worked hard in the off season, adding muscle and bulk, going from 206 lbs to 216 lbs. As a team, they determined that was too much so he has worked his tail off , getting his weight down and moving his feet quicker. As a result, he has created far more energy and increased his scoring chances per game. He has to continue to do that consistently, and the goals are certain to come. He is that good with the puck. Last season he came on and scored 22 goals. He spent lots of time on the point on the PP, scoring 7 PPG’s in the process. He also had 3 ROAD hattricks, pretty good stuff.
Last season, he could also be hidden by his coach, Wayne Gretzky, especially on the road , where Gretzky has been a master with his younger players. This season? Different story for a few reasons. Teams know who he is. He can’t hide. He gets to see the other teams best defenseman and best defensive forward. He has 5-10-15 pts at this point, below expectations by both Peter and the team. This season, the 1st 27 games, will add a few layers of skin to Peter for the future and all for the good. He is a difference maker in the best league in the world. He will score in bunches and when they start, it will take a long time for them to stop. I see it in practice and in games. I talk to the other teams goalies about the Coyotes players they have their eye on. Peter is at the top of the list.
In my conversations with Peter, I remember quickly how it went for me in my 2nd full season as an NHL’er. The criticism is far more stinging from the coaches, the expectations are higher, and the responsibilities to your “younger” teammates changes you for the better. So, while Mueller’s season is going to have to improve for this team to get in the play-offs, it hasn’t been as “ugly” as the headline puts it.Not even close.
For Martin Hanzal to be included in this column is baffling.
I know the “Western” National Hockey League doesn’t get as many eye balls as our friends to the East…but come on. Hanzal will win the Frank J Selke Award. It may not be this season, but he will garner attention. I say here, he wins it next season.
As a 2nd season NHL player that played only 1 season of WHL hockey and then to the NHL, he will only get better and stronger on his 6′5 220 lb frame. He is as good in his own zone as any centerman in the NHL. What position is the hardeset to break in at? Many say it is on the blueline. Hard to argue.
I for one, believe it is at center ice. The responsibilities are far greater than that of a defenseman. There is more confusion in your own zone, especially with so many cycles down low. A centerman has to win face offs, not lose his man, be down low in his own zone, often spending the whole shift from the hash marks to the boards. Then , if you get out of your zone, you are the guy that gets the puck through the middle of the ice and makes a play for your wingers.you need to create offense as well. Go for a line change, and do it all again.
Then there is Hanzal. He doesn’t get to do that against the other teams sophomores, or 18, 19, and 20 year old players. No, he does that against the NHL’s BEST players. Every night.
If you are going to suggest a player is struggling and making it a headline, you better do some homework, watch some games and then ask some players he plays against.
In the West, he faces Joe Thornton, and did so all of last year as well, as a rookie. The Coyotes have a winning record vs the Sharks in the last 2 years.While Big Joe remains a very top player in this league, I can assure you he has had all he can handle in the 2 games this season against the Coyotes. The series so far is a 3-2 win and a 3-2 loss. We highlighted the two the entire game and could see that Hanzal was in his kitchen.
He does it the old fashioned way. He rarely takes penalties. He has a great reach and stick. He separates great players from the puck, not an easy thing to do.He brings a great attitude to the rink, he wants to win. He plays that way.
I mentioned Thornton. Lets continue with Ryan Getzlaf, Anze Kopitar and any one of the 3 headed monsters at center ice for the Dallas Stars. All in the Pacific Division. 6 games a season against them.
Last season, Hanzal had 8 goals and 35 points.
2 weeks ago he scored 3 goals against the Leafs and has 6 goals and 10 assists on the season, while defensively, is minus 1.
That includes a recent game in Chicago that was a team embarrassment, losing 7-1 and giving up an astonishing 6 goals at even strength. There are going to be nights like that for every player and team, as bad as it seemed at the time. Young and old go through it. We all have.
I can assure you that sophomore players Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal will be at the other end of that score more than they will be at the losing end, in their NHL careers.
They are both special players that take pride in winning and care about their jobs on the ice. To say they have been “Coyote Ugly” is extremely misleading and disrespectful to what they and the team are accomplishing.
- Panger
Tags: Darren Pang, Frank J. Selke Award, Joe Thornton, martin hanzal, peter mueller, phoenix coyotes, wayne gretzky