Phoenix Coyotes: What to Watch For Post Olympic Break

Take Care of the Inferior Teams

Feb 8, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars goalie

(32) waits for play to resume against the Phoenix Coyotes during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Lehtonen had 26 saves in the game. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most frustrating parts of the Coyotes season so far has been their results against some of the lesser teams in the league. A very telling series of games happened just before the break. The Coyotes lost to one of the worst teams in the league (Buffalo) at home, no less. Then, in their next game, they came back and were dominant against one of the best in the league (Pittsburgh).

Their last three games have been two losses to the Dallas Stars, who they’re chasing in the wild card, with a shutout win against one of the league’s best in the Chicago Blackhawks. If the Coyotes can’t take care of the lesser teams, it’s not going to matter what happens against the good ones.

Michael Dunlap is an NBA credentialed writer who is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief for the Sports Illustrated/Fansided NBA site HoopsHabit.com and the Arizona Sports site HeatWaved.com. He also covers high school sports for The Arizona Republic. Follow me on Twitter @DunlapNBA.