The Coyotes knew their focus in Game 1 would have to be on defending the high-end offensive talent at the top of the Colorado Avalanche's lineup. They knew that directive No. 1 would be shutting down elite center Nathan MacKinnon, perhaps the most-talented player still alive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs' round of 16.
By those metrics, the Coyotes graded out pretty well in Game 1 on Wednesday, despite the 3-0 loss. However, at times it seemed as though the Coyotes forgot they had to create their own offense, too.
The Coyotes finished with just 14 shots on goal in a game that was tied until the final minutes of the third period.