Phoenix Coyotes

By puckgal ⋅ January 31, 2010 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for the Coyotes so here’s a little recap.

 
 
The Good

4th place standing in the Western Conference

6 wins out of the last 8 games including big victories against Calgary and Detroit

Teppo Numminen inducted into the ring of honor, Teppo holds numerous franchise records including most points by a defenseman (534) and was appointed the “sexiest man in Finland” honor by Coyote Captain Shane Doan.

In his triumphant return from the AHL Mikkel Boedker gets his first goal of the season

And in another first, defenseman Sami Lepisto gets his first NHL career goal

And in yet ANOTHER first, Scottie Upshall with a hat trick

The Bad

3rd period sluggishness has almost cost them a couple of wins by blowing 2 or even 3 goal leads, could it be stamina that is the problem? As of late they have been coming out in the first firing on all cylinders but seem to lose steam as they go along. Going into the 2nd period against the NY Rangers on Saturday with a 3 goal lead it should have been a game of “keep away” with the puck. Lackluster play, however gave the Rangers a chance to score 2 and nearly cost the Coyotes the game.

The Ugly

Scottie Upshall is out indefinitely with a torn ACL. One of our powerhouse scorers, this could spell a little trouble for the Coyotes but when you have everyone including defenseman such as Keith Yandle and Sami Lepisto chipping in with goals it could be enough to take up the slack.

The olympics are coming up and although I am trying to be practical about it, I can’t help but fear the break. The last time we had a break such as this momentum was lost and the Coyotes slipped from 5th place to..well let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

All this said and done I couldn’t be happier at the way things are shaping up for the guys. With solid coaching from Dave Tippett and the “pack” mentality that is being displayed each and every game dare I say we have a playoff team in the making this season? From my mouth to the hockey gods’ ears!

Let’s Puck!

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