Where We Are: Losers of four straight, tied with Tampa at 55 points but the Bolts hold the final playoff spot with a game in hand.
Where They Are: Fourth place in the West after winning three of their last four.
Who To Watch For: Winnipeg Jet Shane Doan continues to shine in the desert. This guy has been the franchise for far too long and remains vastly under-appreciated. Love the heart, love the dedication, hate that he is in Phoenix. Defenseman Keith Yandle has four points in his last four games with three goals but it is usually Ed Jovanovski who causes trouble for the Rangers. Leading goal scorer Scottie Upshall is banged up and may not play but you had better believe that a certain Petr Prucha will be more than excited to get in the lineup. What To Watch For: See if the road really is what the Rangers needed, because being coddled here at home clearly hasn't worked. Nothing like giving Hank a bit of a break before the Olympics ... oh wait, the clearly burned out Swede will be back in the net again for the Blueshirts. If Peter Mueller has a good game perhaps it will sell Sather on giving up some costly package for the underachieving American youngster.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Signs of life. Some kind of injury to get Redden out of the lineup since Tortorella's accountability is clearly BS. Enver Lisin to light up his old team. Pru not to. Voros vs. Bissonnette. Ilya Bryzgalov to have an off night.
Also Check Out: Hip Shot Blog, SBN's Five For Howling and the MSM Ice Chips from Jim Gintonio of The Arizona Republic.
Peepin' Foes: The Phoenix Coyotes
In the vast and scorching landscape of the American Southwest, the city of Phoenix stands as an oasis of sports and entertainment. Among the sporting endeavors that call this sun-soaked city home, the Phoenix Coyotes shine as one of the most compelling and enigmatic franchises in the NHL. With a history that spans several decades and a fanbase as passionate as the desert sun is hot, the Coyotes have carved out a unique niche in the world of hockey. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history, challenges, and bright spots of the Phoenix Coyotes, now known as the Arizona Coyotes, and explore the frequently asked questions about this intriguing franchise.
A Brief History
The roots of the Arizona Coyotes trace back to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they were originally established as the Winnipeg Jets in 1972. The Jets were a formidable team in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before making the jump to the NHL in 1979 as part of the WHA-NHL merger. As the Winnipeg Jets, they enjoyed periods of success but were unable to capture the coveted Stanley Cup.
In 1996, the franchise embarked on a bold and challenging journey. Financial struggles and the promise of a more stable future led them to relocate to the desert of Arizona, becoming the Phoenix Coyotes. This move marked the first time a major professional sports franchise set up shop in Arizona.
Challenges in the Desert
While the Coyotes brought the excitement of NHL hockey to a new market, they faced numerous challenges along the way:
1. Attendance Woes:
The Coyotes have struggled to consistently fill their arena, the Gila River Arena in Glendale. Low attendance figures have been a recurring issue despite the team's efforts to engage with the local community.
2. Financial Instability:
Ownership changes and financial difficulties have plagued the franchise. At various points in their history, the Coyotes have been operated by the NHL itself due to ownership instability.
3. On-Ice Success:
Achieving success on the ice has also been a challenge for the Coyotes. While they've had competitive seasons, they've struggled to advance deep into the playoffs and have yet to win a Stanley Cup.
4. Stadium Location:
The Coyotes' arena, Gila River Arena, is located in Glendale, which is relatively far from the heart of Phoenix. This geographic challenge has contributed to attendance issues.
Bright Spots
Despite these challenges, the Coyotes have had their share of positive moments:
1. Deep Playoff Runs:
The Coyotes have had seasons where they defied expectations and made deep playoff runs. Their memorable run to the Western Conference Final in 2012 was a high point in franchise history.
2. Dedicated Fanbase:
While attendance has been a concern, the Coyotes have a dedicated and passionate fanbase. Those who support the team are fiercely loyal and continue to back them through thick and thin.
3. Community Engagement:
The Coyotes have been active in community outreach efforts, striving to grow the sport of hockey in Arizona. They've made efforts to introduce the game to local youth and create a lasting hockey culture.
FAQs
1. Why have the Coyotes faced so many ownership challenges?
Ownership stability has been elusive due to a combination of factors, including financial struggles, the team's geographic location, and the unique challenges of operating a hockey franchise in the Arizona desert.
2. What is the future of the Coyotes in Arizona?
The team has faced relocation rumors, but there is a commitment from current ownership to keep the Coyotes in Arizona. Plans for a new arena in Tempe have been proposed, which could provide a more central location for fans.
3. Who are some notable players in Coyotes history?
The franchise has seen its share of legendary players, including Shane Doan, Keith Tkachuk, and Teemu Selänne. These players left a lasting impact on the organization.
4. How can the Coyotes improve attendance and fan engagement?
To address attendance challenges, the Coyotes need to continue engaging with the local community, invest in marketing and promotion, and improve the team's on-ice performance to attract more fans.
In the unforgiving desert heat, the Arizona Coyotes continue to carve out their place in the NHL. While they've faced their fair share of challenges, their dedication to the game and the passionate support of their fans keep the Coyotes a vital part of the NHL landscape. As they navigate the future, the Coyotes will seek to build on their bright spots, address their challenges, and solidify their presence in the Arizona sports scene.
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