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Pacific Division Preview: How Ducks, Kings stack up against the rest

By Redan Lopez

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings and Troy Terry #61 of the Anaheim Ducks fight for control of the puck during the third period at Honda Center on March 10, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings and Troy Terry #61 of the Anaheim Ducks fight for control of the puck during the third period at Honda Center on March 10, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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CALGARY, AB – FEBRUARY 18: Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Arizona Coyotes in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on February 18, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – FEBRUARY 18: Oliver Ekman-Larsson #23 of the Arizona Coyotes in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on February 18, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

2. Arizona Coyotes (4th last season)

This may come as a shock to some, but the Coyotes looked every bit the playoff contender last season. If only they could have had more pucks go in for them, then they could have been in. They are ready to get off to a better start and show that this is the year they return to the playoffs.

The acquisition of Phil Kessel to the offense will really help the Coyotes, who were 28th in total goals scored last season (209). Kessel has been an offensive threat with the Penguins, notching over 25 goals and 30 assists each of the past four seasons.

Goaltenders Darcy Keumper and Antti Raanta should continue to perform as a strong duo in net. Keumper showed he could carry the workload if needed, as Raanta was out for much of the season last year. Goaltending will not be a problem for the Coyotes.

The “Desert Dogs” should easily make the playoffs this season. Boosted by veterans Derek Stepan and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the young talent coming like Jacob Chychrun, Conor Garland, Christian Dvorak, and Christian Fischer should give the Coyotes the push they need.

The Coyotes are a blossoming, young team ready to take things to the next level.

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