After having such a terrific season last year, many wondered why the Phoenix Coyotes got off to such a sluggish start this season.
Maybe being overseas hurt a little bit; maybe there was a bit of a hangover after being so successful last season; or maybe the players were trying to find what worked for them last year and implement it into their games this season.
Well, whatever they've been doing lately has certainly worked.
The team is currently on a seven-game winning streak and are second in the Western Conference and tied for fourth in the NHL with a record of 11-5-5 and 27 points.
On their seven game winning streak, the Coyotes have beaten the Flames and Oilers twice, St. Louis, Chicago, and Vancouver. Most of the games were close but the team found a way to pick up 14 points, catapulting them to first in a strong Pacific Division.
There are many reasons why the Coyotes have been able to put their sluggish start in the past and play the way they know they are capable of playing. The team is getting the goaltending they need from Ilya Bruzgalov, getting plenty of offensive support and lastly, they know that they can be even better.
We'll start in goal with the play of Bryzgalov. 'Bryz' is currently 10-2-5 with a 2.61 goals against average, a .922 save percentage and one shutout. With him in the net, the team has the confidence they need to take chances offensively because they know that their goaltender will make the big save if they need him to.
Secondly, the team's offense is clicking. Newcomer Ray Whitney is finally in a groove and leading the way with 15 points (three goals and 12 assists) while other key offensive contributors Radim Vrbata (6-7-13), Lee Stempniak (7-6-13) and Wojtek Wolski (4-9-13) are each doing their part to contribute.
Lastly, the team will never be satisfied unless they continue to win hockey games. Head coach Dave Tippett instilled this attitude in them last season so that they would never be complacement and would strive to be even better.
The Coyotes are a hungry club and are on the prowl to show that last season was no fluke.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Maybe being overseas hurt a little bit; maybe there was a bit of a hangover after being so successful last season; or maybe the players were trying to find what worked for them last year and implement it into their games this season.
Well, whatever they've been doing lately has certainly worked.
The team is currently on a seven-game winning streak and are second in the Western Conference and tied for fourth in the NHL with a record of 11-5-5 and 27 points.
On their seven game winning streak, the Coyotes have beaten the Flames and Oilers twice, St. Louis, Chicago, and Vancouver. Most of the games were close but the team found a way to pick up 14 points, catapulting them to first in a strong Pacific Division.
There are many reasons why the Coyotes have been able to put their sluggish start in the past and play the way they know they are capable of playing. The team is getting the goaltending they need from Ilya Bruzgalov, getting plenty of offensive support and lastly, they know that they can be even better.
We'll start in goal with the play of Bryzgalov. 'Bryz' is currently 10-2-5 with a 2.61 goals against average, a .922 save percentage and one shutout. With him in the net, the team has the confidence they need to take chances offensively because they know that their goaltender will make the big save if they need him to.
Secondly, the team's offense is clicking. Newcomer Ray Whitney is finally in a groove and leading the way with 15 points (three goals and 12 assists) while other key offensive contributors Radim Vrbata (6-7-13), Lee Stempniak (7-6-13) and Wojtek Wolski (4-9-13) are each doing their part to contribute.
Lastly, the team will never be satisfied unless they continue to win hockey games. Head coach Dave Tippett instilled this attitude in them last season so that they would never be complacement and would strive to be even better.
The Coyotes are a hungry club and are on the prowl to show that last season was no fluke.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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