7th at 31.1. The lesser workload is allowing goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to regain his form of two seasons ago. Bobrovsky is tied for 13th in the NHL in sa

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Puck management is a helpful lens through which to view the Columbus Blue Jackets and Arizona Coyotes before their meeting on Saturday at Gila River Arena.Columbus was abysmal in that department last season on its way to the NHLs fourth-worst record, but the maturation of defensemen Zach Werenski and Seth Jones played a major role in lifting the surprising Jackets into the upper half of the leagues possession rankings this season, and into its top 10 in points.Despite an emphasis on puck possession that extends back at least to the 2011-12 season, when Arizona advanced to the Western Conference Final, the Coyotes consistently struggled to hang onto the puck this season. They rank dead last in the NHL with a Corsi For percentage of 45.08 percent, and they are tied for last in the NHL standings with 19 points.We bring so much trouble on ourselves its frustrating, coach Dave Tippett said after a 4-3 loss at home to Los Angeles in which the Coyotes committed a critical late turnover that led to the Kings game-winning goal. We just need some people that can do the job. Sometimes, its just a simple play to gain a line. When you dont get them made it comes back to bite you.Its been all the more painful for Arizona this season because it played so many tight games. Nine of the teams last 10 games were decided by one goal and only six of the teams 22 games this season have been decided by more than one goal.Weve got to be better at puck management, left winger Tobias Rieder said. Weve got the puck on our sticks a lot of times and we turn it over and thats how we get scored on. Were always talking about gaining zones, so weve got to get the puck in deep and get our forecheck going.Jones emergence as a No. 1 defenseman, and Werenskis emergence as a Calder Trophy candidate at age 19, is making a world of difference for the Jackets when it comes to quick, clean zone-exit passes from their defense to their forwards.You can see how (Zach) can control the game with the puck, Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said. We have a lot of teaching to do with him without the puck, but the God-given ability that he has, its at a different level than a lot of other players in this league.Columbus improved possession game is impacting multiple other facets of its play. As of Friday morning, the Blue Jackets were tied for the second most goals per game (3.18) in the NHL, and they were fifth in goals allowed per game (2.23).Cleaner zone exits have ignited an underrated cast of young, skilled forwards. Cam Atkinson leads the team with 21 points in 22 games and Nick Foligno is tops in goals with nine, but Columbus has eight players with five or more goals.The Jackets are also suppressing shots, allowing 29.5 per game, which ranks 11th. Last season, they were 27th at 31.1. The lesser workload is allowing goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to regain his form of two seasons ago. Bobrovsky is tied for 13th in the NHL in save percentage (.929) and 11th in goals against average at 2.08.Theyve got a lot of good young players that I dont think the league knows about yet, Tippett said of the Blue Jackets. Youre starting to see the fruits of their labor. John has done a good job. They look like theyre playing well.As of Friday afternoon, Tortorella hadnt named his starter in goal between Bobrovsky and Curtis McElhinney, but the Jackets did activate left wing Matt Calvert (head) off injured reserve.Mike Smith is expected to start in goal for Arizona, which is healthy other than center Brad Richardson (broken tibia and fibula). Richardson is out indefinitely. Air Max Black Friday Deals . Once again Jordan Cieciwa (@FitCityJordan) and I (@LynchOnSports) go head to head in our picks. Last weekend at UFC Fight Night 32 my #TeamLynch got the best of #TeamJC by a score of 9-6. Let us know which side youre on for UFC 167 use the hashtag #TeamLynch or #TeamJC on Twitter. Air Max Black Friday 2019 . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. Born and raised in Toronto, Bradwell is entering his sixth CFL season, with all six played for his hometown Argonauts. http://www.blackfridayairmax.com/ . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. Wholesale Air Max Black Friday . The 43-year-old closer, in his 19th and final big league season, has said hed like to play the outfield. Yankees manager Joe Girardi says hes thinking about allowing Rivera to do it this weekend, when the Yankees finish their season with a three-game series at the Houston Astros. Air Max Black Friday Online . -- Stanford squashed Oregons national championship hopes again, schooling the Ducks in power football. Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says nothing is off the list management table, including contracted players being traded.The Power are due to announce changes to their AFL list as soon as Monday, with fringe forward John Butcher among those likely to face the axe.Hinkley said the club would be forced to make tough decisions given there had been no requests from players to be traded.We have to accept that the list weve got at the moment hasnt been able to get where we want to go, Hinkley said.Weve got a really strong group (and) they do want to remain together as best they possibly can.But they understand if you have two seasons in a row where you miss the finals, the club has some responsibilities.Port have already parted ways with veteran forward Jay Schulz, who was last week told he would not be offered a new contract despite being keen to play on.The same call is likely to be made on Butcher, who is out of contract and has managed just 31 games in his six seasons with the Poweer.ddddddddddddJohn will be one of those that will be in the discussion, I cant hide from that, Hinkley said.The Power last year sacrificed a first-round draft pick and a 2016 second-round selection to secure Gold Coast spearhead Charlie Dixon in a three-way trade with Richmond.Dixon played 18 games this season but was hampered throughout the second half of the year with an ankle injury, finishing with 30 goals.Hinkley says the Power will this year look to bring in young talent through the draft rather than targeting established players.I dont think theres a desperate need in one or the other area for us, he said.Its a matter of making sure we bring in some young, talented people who are quite driven to help us improve our list.Suspended Essendon recruits Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries will be allowed to resume training with the Power on September 13. ' ' '