ARIZONA COYOTES

The Pulse: Goaltending to blame for Phoenix Coyotes’ struggles

Jan 13, 2014, 10:33 PM | Updated: 10:34 pm

Every day, we at ArizonaSports.com ask our readers a question. It’s the Sanderson Ford Poll Question of the Day, and it can be found midway down the right side of our home page.

Sunday, we asked our readers what is to blame for the Phoenix Coyotes’ struggles during a 2-4 home stand.

The options ranged from goaltending to a lack of offense, with coaching and the team just not being very good all available to be picked.

A total of 301 votes were cast, and it appears the fans blame the duo of Mike Smith and Thomas Greiss. Goaltending received 84 votes, or 28 percent, which edged out another defense-related option, “Too many easy goals,” by eight votes.

Unfortunately, the third-highest total belonged to the final option, which is readers basically saying they don’t think too highly of this team anyway.

On the bright side — for Dave Tippett, anyway — few seem to think coaching is the culprit for the team’s recent stretch, as that received a paltry five votes.

Arizona Coyotes

Matias Maccelli #63 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during an NHL game at Mullett Arena...

Associated Press

Josh Doan nets twice in NHL debut, Coyotes score 4 goals in 3rd and beat Blue Jackets

Josh Doan had two goals including the go-ahead score in his first NHL game and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2.

2 days ago

ASU hockey player Josh Doan and father Shane Doan wave to fans before the ceremonial first puck to ...

David Veenstra

Arizona Coyotes forward Josh Doan scores twice in NHL debut

Coyotes forward Josh Doan scored twice in his NHL debut on Tuesday. Doan had goals in the second and third period against Columbus. 

2 days ago

Josh Doan...

Damon Allred

Arizona Coyotes recall forward Josh Doan from Tucson Roadrunners

The Arizona Coyotes recalled former second-round pick Josh Doan, son of former captain Shane Doan, from the Tucson Roadrunners.

3 days ago

Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck while being defended by Alex Kerfoot #15...

Associated Press

Arizona Coyotes fall to Dallas Stars for 2nd time in last 3 games

Miro Heiskanen broke a tie with 5:28 left and the Stars won their fourth consecutive game, beating the Coyotes on Sunday night.

4 days ago

Dylan Guenther...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ Dylan Guenther scores overtime game-winner vs. Kraken

Dylan Guenther scored in overtime to give the Arizona Coyotes a win over Seattle on Friday night.

6 days ago

Arizona Coyotes center Liam O'Brien...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ struggles in Dallas continue despite Clayton Keller stacking goals

The Dallas Stars extended their home points streak against the Coyotes to 19 games with a victory on Wednesday night.

8 days ago

The Pulse: Goaltending to blame for Phoenix Coyotes’ struggles