But we've come not to bury Glen but to celebrate Don. His team won 50 games last season and made it to the playoffs, where they lost in a thrilling seven-game series. Don has done it with a mish-mash of low-cost castoffs from other teams around the league - his first crop of self-drafted Coyotes will compete for spots this season in Kyle Turris, Mikkel Boedker, Brett MacLean, Viktor Tikhonov and maybe even Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Turris and Boedker both saw action two seasons back but Jack Adams winner Dave Tippett rightly sent them back to the farm for more development. This season should see them getting decent shots at making the roster.
Familiar Foes: They will have to work for it as the backbone of the 50 win team still remains. Shane Doan leads a group of young snipers that really stepped up last season - Lee Stempniak, Wojktek Wolski, Radim Vrbata. Taylor Pyatt, Scottie Upshall and Vernon Fiddler keep up the physical, two-way grind side of play up front. In the back, JovoCop, former Islander Adrian Aucoin and former Ranger Derek Morris make up the ancient anchor of the defensive corps. Kurt Sauer, Keith Yandle and Sami Lepisto fill out the unit but will be pushed by 2009 top pick Ekman-Larsson, who is simply a stud. Sauer, like his brother Mike here in NY, has battled injuries (he missed all but one game last season) and has plenty to prove. The crease is pretty much closed with Ilya Bryzgalov starting and former Rangers Jason Labarbera and Al Montoya left to pick up the scraps. They are two of six Blueshirts on the Coyotes depth chart: Morris, Petr Prucha, Lauri Korpikoski and Ryan Hollweg (so that's where he went...) are the others. Holly isn't likely to make the NHL as there are plenty of grinders and BizNasty (Paul Bissonnette) holds down the enforcer gig.N00bz: Maloney went out and signed The Wizard this summer, Ray Whitney. Whitney is the Energizer Bunny of the NHL, he just keeps going and going ... he was the second-ever draft pick of the San Jose Sharks, selected 23rd overall in 1991. He has played 1,072 regular season games and racked up 869 points, 58 of which came last season (which would have tied Vinny Prospal for second on the Rangers). Other summer signings were Eric Belanger and Andrew Ebbett. If Belanger can put the controversy with Washington behind him, his two-way skills should really help solidify the third line. Ebbett played (poorly) for three different NHL teams last season but two years ago racked up 32 points (24 assists) in 48 games for the Quack Attack. If he can recapture those puck distribution skills, he will join Turris and Martin Hanzal in the battle for for second-line center duties.
Last Year: Monday, October 26th 5-2 Ranger win; and Saturday, january 30th 3-2 Phoenix victory.
This Year: Thursday, December 16th @ MSG.
What They Mean To Blue: Aside from a heavy sigh when you realize Maloney could/should/would have taken the helm of the Rangers, not too much. The Blueshirts play the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Versus the night before; the Coyotes are also playing that night but they will be at the Rock so their travel (and emotional letdown) will be minimal.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes, a franchise that has faced its share of challenges and triumphs, are gearing up for the new NHL season. As we approach the upcoming season, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Arizona Coyotes.
In this article, we'll delve into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and answer some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a dedicated Coyotes fan or simply interested in the future of this NHL franchise, our preview has got you covered.
Arizona Coyotes Roster Analysis
The Arizona Coyotes have been striving to establish themselves as a competitive force in the NHL. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:
1. Offense:
The Coyotes have a mix of veterans and young talent in their forward group. Phil Kessel, with his goal-scoring ability, remains a vital part of their offensive core. Clayton Keller, a young and promising forward, is expected to take on a larger role.
2. Defense:
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, long considered the team's defensive anchor, was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in the offseason. Jakob Chychrun has emerged as a key defenseman, known for his offensive contributions and strong defensive play.
3. Goaltending:
Darcy Kuemper, one of the league's underrated goaltenders, is the team's starting goalie. Kuemper's ability to steal games has been crucial for the Coyotes. Antti Raanta, when healthy, provides reliable goaltending depth.
Recent Performance
The Coyotes have faced their share of challenges in recent years, including ownership disputes and financial instability. On the ice, they've shown flashes of competitiveness, making the playoffs in the 2019-20 season and advancing to the first round.
However, their postseason journey ended at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche. In the 2020-21 season, the Coyotes struggled, finishing near the bottom of the standings in the West Division.
The team's management has acknowledged the need for rebuilding and has made moves to acquire young talent. As they navigate this transition period, the Coyotes face both challenges and opportunities for the future.
Key Players to Watch
Clayton Keller: Keller's development as a top-line forward will be crucial for the Coyotes. His skill and offensive creativity make him a player to watch.
Darcy Kuemper: As the starting goaltender, Kuemper's performance will be pivotal to the Coyotes' success. His ability to keep the team in games is a significant asset.
Jakob Chychrun: Chychrun's role on the blue line has grown significantly. His offensive contributions and defensive stability will be important.
Phil Kessel: Kessel's scoring touch and experience can provide a boost to the Coyotes' offense. His performance will be key to the team's success.
Barrett Hayton: Hayton, a promising young forward, has the potential to become a core player for the Coyotes. His development will be closely monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the Coyotes still facing ownership issues?
Ownership stability has been a concern for the Coyotes in the past, but recent developments suggest that the team is moving toward a more stable ownership situation.
2. Can the Coyotes compete for a playoff spot in the near future?
The Coyotes are in a transition period, and their ability to compete for a playoff spot will depend on the development of their young talent and how they navigate their rebuilding process.
3. How has the departure of Oliver Ekman-Larsson impacted the team?
Ekman-Larsson was a long-time face of the franchise and a key defenseman. His departure creates a leadership void, but it also allows the team to reshape its identity.
4. Who are some promising prospects in the Coyotes' organization?
The Coyotes have a few promising prospects, including forwards Dylan Guenther and Jan Jenik, and defenseman Victor Söderström. These players could play significant roles in the team's future.
5. What style of play do the Coyotes employ?
The Coyotes are known for their structured defensive play and emphasis on responsible two-way hockey. They often rely on strong goaltending to keep games close.
The Arizona Coyotes, a franchise that has faced adversity both on and off the ice, are embarking on a journey of rebuilding and renewal. With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, they aim to find their footing and become a competitive force in the NHL.
As the new NHL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Coyotes as they navigate their path forward. Whether they return to playoff contention or not, one thing is certain: the Arizona Coyotes will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they strive for success in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another season of Coyotes hockey as they aim to build a bright future for the franchise and its fans.
No comments:
Post a Comment