from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

The Coyotes, currently second in the Pacific Division, have been among the NHL’s biggest surprises this season. Here are five reasons why the Coyotes should make the playoffs this season:

1. Younger players soaring: Max Domi, Tobias Reader and Anthony Duclair have a combined 35 goals. Reader is 23, and Duclair and Domi are both 20. Rookies Domi and Duclair have combined for 55 points, Only two NHL teams (Chicago and Buffalo) have more rookie points than Domi and Duclair have produced playing together. Louis Domingue, 23, is 7-2-3 with a .928 save percentage since replacing injured Mike Smith as the team’s No. 1 goalie.

2. The Old Man and the C: At 39, captain Shane Doan’s best days should be behind him. But he’s leading this team in scoring with 16 goals, and he’s on a pace to finish with his best goal production since 2008-09. He is playing younger than his years.

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