ARIZONA COYOTES

Chayka: No goalie controversy for Coyotes despite Hill’s impressive run

Dec 5, 2018, 10:33 AM

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Adin Hill (31) stops a shot from Nate Thompson, left, during the second ...

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Adin Hill (31) stops a shot from Nate Thompson, left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

The role of No. 1 goaltender has been a battle of attrition this season for the Arizona Coyotes.

Top goalie Antti Raanta has missed several games due to injury. Backup Darcy Kuemper recently went on injured reserve with a lower body injury.

That left an opportunity for Adin Hill, the Coyotes’ third-string goalie with four games of NHL experience to his name entering this season.

The 22-year-old has taken his chance, leading the Coyotes to a four-game win streak and has surrendered just two goals during that time.

He was named the NHL’s second star of the week on Monday following his impressive run.

Coyotes general manager John Chayka told Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station despite Hill’s recent run of success, he doesn’t anticipate a goalie controversy to develop.

“[Hill] is playing well. It’s nice to see,” Chayka said. “I don’t know if it’s a controversy. To see his development over the years and how he’s playing is a positive sign for our organization.”

Chayka believes it’s a necessity to have three quality goalies, which could bode well for Hill staying on the NHL level even after Raanta and Kuemper return.

Since entering for an injured Raanta last Tuesday in Minnesota, Hill has made 84 saves on 86 attempts.

He has led the Coyotes to wins over likely playoff teams like the Wild and Nashville Predators, and three of the four wins have come on the road.

Hill’s save percentage (.977) far outdoes either Raanta (.906) or Kuemper (.914) and he has as many wins as Kuemper and one less than Raanta despite playing in half as many games.

“We’re in a performance-based industry,” Chayka said. “We’ve had some injuries and underperformance at times whether it’s been goalies or other players.

“To have a young guy step in who has got a good track record, it gets your attention. Credit to him. I think we need all three [goalies].

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

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

Chayka: No goalie controversy for Coyotes despite Hill’s impressive run