Who's Hot, Who's Not: Boedker & the blue line

The Hot

1. Mikkel Boedker

Boedker's performance last Wednesday against Edmonton alone earns him the top hot spot for this week. The Great Dane's empty netter at the end of regulation completed his first career hat trick and brought his season goal total to five. Although his current pace might be unsustainable, Boedker could very well have his best offensive season to date.

2. The Captain

Saturday night's loss to the St. Louis Blues provided the Coyotes with little to celebrate. Yet Coyotes captain Shane Doan showed intensity until the final whistle, and provided the team with a call to action during post-game interviews. "We need some push from within," Doan implored. "We need some push from inside the room and that's kind of the gist of it." No matter how weak on-ice performance gets, on-ice leadership shouldn't ever be an issue.

3. No. 3's longevity

In light of Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle playing his 500th NHL game last night against the Nashville Predators, it should be noted that the American blueliner has not missed a game in four seasons. Only he, Matt Carle, Karl Alzner and John Carlson can claim the accomplishment.

4. Subban's beauty

Watch P.K. Subban explode out of the box and score an absolute gem from Saturday night's matchup between the Habs and Avalanche:

5. The Oilers...?

After an abysmal start that featured the concession of 24 goals in five losing efforts, the Edmonton Oilers claimed their first victory of the season over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. Stick taps for goaltender Ben Scrivens, who not only got the victory in net, but also plans to wear a series of masks this season promoting mental health awareness.

The Not-so-Hot

1. The Defense

Coyotes hockey so far this year has been far from it in its essence. Overly fast-paced, sloppy play characterized by costly defensive zone turnovers and an overall lack of discipline have allowed some games to get out of hand. Certainly not a recipe for success. Oliver Ekman-Larsson especially needs to return to form.

2. Mike Smith

Its tough to criticize the Coyotes top goaltender given how the performance in front of him has been, however Smith has simply not been playing to his potential. A goalie controversy isn't something Dave Tippett wants, but Devan Dubnyk is the best competition that Smith has faced since his arrival in the desert.

3. An end to penalty kill perfection

Before David Backes scored his power play goal at Gila River Arena on Saturday, the Coyotes had been a perfect 10-for-10 on the PK. Not necessarily a reason for despair, but a fun streak has come to an end. Rest in peace.

4. Brent Burns' ankles

John Tavares steps on the brakes leaving Brent Burns looking foolish:

5. Brandon Gormley

The highly touted Coyotes defensive prospect is now the subject of trade rumors, with reports stating the young Canadian is unhappy playing in the AHL. Should he be dealt, one would hope the Coyotes receive something adequate in return.

Have a nomination for next week's Hot & Not lists? Tweet them to me, @joeyversen.