{coyotes} Boedker knows what's right

Wednesday, 5 February 2014

{coyotes} Boedker knows what's right

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As Tippett talked about Mikkel Boedker's maturation into a productive NHL player this season, he started to use the same old clichés about young players getting better, learning more about the League and their abilities, and what they can do here. However, Tippett then paused for a moment before dishing out the biggest reason why Boedker is having a breakout season:

"He told us he felt more comfortable on the right wing," Tippett said. "We put him there and moved [Shane] Doan to the left side. Since then, [Boedker] has really taken off."

Boedker, a left-handed shot, was playing on his natural side at the start of the season, but he was slumping. He started the season with nine points in the first 11 games, but had just six points in the next 15 games. It was during that stretch the Coyotes moved him to the right side. After an adjustment period Boedker started to deliver on his promise of being better on the right wing.

He has nine goals and 13 assists in 30 games since Dec. 3. He had already set career highs with 15 goals, 22 assists, 37 points and 112 shots on goal.

"He's just one of those players who sees the ice a little better from that side," Tippett said. "His skillset of pulling up and making plays on pull-up plays are better. He's just turned into a better right winger. There are certain guys who can do it. Boedker grew up playing on the right side on the big ice and he just feels more comfortable there."

Tippett said Boedker is strong enough, especially in his lower body, that protecting the puck on the wall is no problem even though he's playing on his off wing.

"He's got big legs, a bit butt," Tippett said. "Skating and balance are some of his attributes."

As with Oates and Ward in Washington, Tippett would like to see Boedker shoot more. He's averaging roughly two shots on goal per game.

"We're trying to put an emphasis on him putting more pucks on net," Tippett said. "He's got a good shot when he uses it, but he's one of those guys with more of a pass-first mentality. We're trying to set up some goals for him on how many shots we'd like to see him get per game, things to strive for."

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