Without Niklas Hjalmarsson the Arizona coyotes had to step up, they did this all throughout the lineup, with everyone helping out in their own end blocking shots to make up for the loss of Hammer. Honestly, I thought if the team was at least 500 when Hjalmarsson returned they would have a chance in the playoffs, they did just that!
Now the team finds themselves in the midst of a tough playoff race with their best defenseman back in the lineup. I will say the Coyotes played better without Hjalmarsson than with him this season, but the defense is now adapting to having him back.