Falling behind a theme during Coyotes' losing streak

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Dissecting the growing pile of losses in search of a remedy is certainly a priority for the Arizona Coyotes during a four-day break in the schedule, but they won't have to dig too deep to find one glaring issue.

Aside from losing seven in a row on home ice, the Coyotes have dropped six out of seven overall, and in five of those games, they've fallen into at least a two-goal hole.

Part of the problem is the deficit but the other is not being able to claw out of it.

"We've always been a team part of our identity is you can never count us out whether it's work or desperation," coach Dave Tippett said. "There's been times this year where it looks like the results are concluded when they're not. We have to get back into that fight harder."

That might have been a trademark of past teams, but it hasn't consistently described this group. The Coyotes are 5-12-1 when their opponent scores first and 0-11 when trailing after two periods.

All things Coyotes: Latest Arizona Coyotes news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

And when the team's psyche takes a hit during a slide like this, the challenge to rally becomes even more difficult.

"If you don't believe in yourself, you might as well quit," center Martin Hanzal said. "You have to play with confidence, and obviously you earn confidence with winning and we're not winning right now, so it's tough. But I think it shows the character when you're losing and when you can turn it around. That's how you build up the team."