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Posts Tagged Phoenix Coyotes

NHL will open 2010-2011 Season Oversees

Sep 7

Posted by EB in News | 2 Comments

The Phoenix Coyotes and Boston Bruins will travel oversees for the beginning of the 2010-2011 season playing at O2 Arena Prague, Czech Republic. Phoenix and Boston will play their two first games against each other on Saturday, October 9th and Sunday, October 10th.

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Minnesota Wild will face off at Hartwell Areena in Helsinki, Finland on Thursday, October 7th and Friday, October 8th.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the San Jose Sharks compete in a conference square off in Stockholm, Sweden. The two teams will play both Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th at Ericsson Globe Arena.

The oversees games are a continuing business move to increase fans across the globe. Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers opened in Helsinki. Sales on Friday and Saturday broke the Hartwall Areena record for highest merchandise sales ever for a hockey game at that venue. Merchandise sales also saw and increase of 52% from the 2008 numbers.

Be it that you are for or oppose the NHL’s move to attract more fans, it seems it is here to say and for the right reason. The move increases global audience as some competitors such as the NFL already have.

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Lee Stempniak Re-Signs with the Phoenix Coyotes

Aug 30

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

This may have been the case for the St. Louis Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Phoenix Coyotes are far from a sub-standard team. Expect big numbers from Lee Stempniak in this upcoming season.

This may have been the case for the St. Louis Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Phoenix Coyotes are far from a sub-standard team. Expect big numbers from Lee Stempniak in this upcoming season.

Right wing Lee Stempniak agreed to a 2 year deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Stempniak, at the age of 27, is coming into the prime of his career. Last season he split time with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and then ending with the Phoenix Coyotes.  Stempniak played 62 games with Toronto and 18 with Phoenix.

With Toronto Stempniak posted 14 goals, 16 assists for 30 points and a -10 rating. What is amazing is in the 18 games played with Phoenix, he matched his goal count at 14, added 4 more assists for an average of a point per game, as well as a +10 rating.

Lee Stempniak is a key addition to a young and talented Phoenix Coyotes. Pair him up with a healthy Matthew Lombardi and an extremely hard working Wojtek Wolski, Stempniak could be posting some serious numbers next season.

Combined he totaled 48 points in 80 games, 28 goals and 16 assists.

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Jokinen headed to Russia?

May 6

Posted by Chris in Rumors | No Comments

Reports circulating around the internet claim that Finnish center Olli Jokinen is close to signing a deal with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. While Dinamo Minsk is yet to comment on the situation, Jokinen’s agent, Todd Diamond, vehemently denied rumors that his client is close to signing with the Russian club and stated that his client will play in the NHL next season.

NHL/The 31-year-old Jokinen (left) last played for the New York Rangers after being traded at the trade deadline from the Calgary Flames. Jokinen is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and there seem to be no intentions from the Rangers to resign Jokinen.

Between 2005 and 2008, as captain of the Florida Panthers, Jokinen was one of the best players in the NHL scoring 30 or more goals for three straight seasons and racking up a total of 251 points in 246 regular season games during that three-year span. Jokinen was also one of the healthiest players as he played in all 82 regular season games for the Panthers in each of those three seasons. However, Jokinen’s production quickly diminished over the subsequent seasons since signing as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes prior to the start of the 2008-09 season. During that season, Jokinen chipped in 42 points before being traded at the trade deadline to the Calgary Flames where he tallied an additional 21 points. During this past season, split between the Flames and Rangers, Jokinen only managed 15 goals and 50 points in 82 games.

Rumors of a deal with the KHL should come as no surprise to hockey fans. In recent years, KHL teams have thrown tons of money at average level NHL players in order to steal them away from the NHL. Alexander Radulov and Jiri Hudler are two prime examples of this. If Jokinen stays in the NHL, he will undoubtedly see a significant pay decrease from the $5.5 million he was making previously because of the diminished quality of play he has exhibited over the last few seasons. With his current level of play, Jokinen could probably get somewhere between $2-3 million, depending on the team. However, if Jokinen decides to sign with Dinamo Minsk, he undoubtedly will get much more money from them then he would if he stayed in the NHL.

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Eddie On Why Red Wings Will Win Game 7

Apr 27

Posted by Eddie in News | No Comments

In less than 9 hours, the Red Wings and Coyotes will be playing game 7 of the first round series. I believe the Red Wings will win the game for a few reasons.

  • This crew of Red Wings haven’t faced a game 7 in the first round

This isn’t your father’s Red Wings. While there are a lot of old faces like Maltby, Holmstrom, Lidstrom, etc. This Red Wings crew doesn’t want the ride to end. Should they lose this game, who knows how many more opportunities the aforementioned players will get to win another Stanley Cup?

  • More pressure is on the home team

As we saw in last year’s Stanley Cup Final against Pittsburgh, more pressure was on the Wings because they were the home team and was expected to win. I believe the Red Wings simply tried too hard to win that game.

  • In a seven game series, the better team will win

The Wings have no more excuses to use. They were hurt most of the regular season and now they are healthy in the playoffs. They are the best team in the league after the Olympic break and it all comes down to one game. 60 minutes hockey to determine if they play another day or go home. I still believe from top to bottom they are the better team.

Detroit’s Keys to Victory

  • They have to score first

As the road team, the main key is to score first and score early. In similar fashion to what Phoenix did in game six, after Detroit failed on the string of power plays, Phoenix took advantage of a turnover and scored a shorthanded goal. The Red Wings have to get the first goal to quiet the Phoenix crowd and make the Coyotes play from behind.

  • Get goals from B-List players Johan Fanzen and Dan Cleary

Franzen and Cleary have been studs the last two years in the playoffs. This year, Franzen has lived up his billing while Cleary has recorded 0’s across the stat line in six games. A late goal by either one of those would be big for the Red Wings to advance.

  • Finish in Regulation

A game 7 is like a 60-minute overtime game. Make it sudden death and the smallest turnover, deflection, icing call, or lost face off in the defensive zone can end your season. In the game is tied with five minutes left in regulation, that’s when sudden death hockey begins.

Jimmy Howard just has to give the Red Wings a chance to win in game seven. Howard cannot afford to allow any soft goals tonight.

Jimmy Howard just has to give the Red Wings a chance to win in game seven. Howard cannot afford to allow any soft goals tonight.

  • Protect Jimmy Howard

The defense has to clear out the front of the net for any rebounds or second chances Phoenix can have. The blueliners for Detroit have to put on a performance seen in games four and five. They have to let Jimmy Howard see the puck and then proceed to clear it from the slot or setup a breakout in transition. Not to mention that Phoenix has good defensemen themselves who move the puck just as well as the Detroit defensemen.

  • Stay out of the penalty box

Just like we saw in games one and six, the Red Wings have to stay out of the penalty box. The Red Wings failed to allow a power play goal between games two and five, but allowed Phoenix to light the lamp several times in game six. They cannot afford to put the game in the officials hands, they have to take it themselves.

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Do Not Try This At Home: Flying Octopi

Apr 27

Posted by Eddie in Media | No Comments

During the Red Wings-Coyotes series, we have seen plenty of Red Wings fans in Phoenix during the television broadcast. We have also seen octopi thrown on the ice in Glendale. During game 2 of the series, some daring Detroit fans not only took one for the team and got arrested/thrown in jail because they threw octopi on the ice. I’m most impressed at how they got the entire thing on tape.

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Phoenix Coyotes Win Game 7, Here’s Why

Apr 27

Posted by Matt in News | No Comments

Coyotes captain Shane Doan scares off opponents with the Doan face

Coyotes captain Shane Doan scares off opponents with the Doan face

While I’m not on the Phoenix Coyote bandwagon, like EB, and I root for my hometown Detroit Red Wings, I just don’t think they have what it takes to win Game 7 in Glendale tonight.

This series has been very well coached from the beginning. Some errors have been made here and there, but overall you have, arguably, the league’s best coach in Mike Babcock, going against a sure thing for coach of the year in Dave Tippett. The biggest difference I notice between the two, is how their respective players show up for every game. While the Coyotes are playing their hearts out every night, some Red Wings appear to only show up when they want to.

Mike Babcock often says he loves the playoffs because it keeps you honest. His team knows what they need to do, but lately its been a challenge for them to actually get on to the ice and do it. On the other hand, Dave Tippet’s squad knows how to bring it each and every game. They are playing high energy, physical, playoff style hockey. Plus, not only are they playing to keep their season alive, but they’re playing for their coach too. Somewhere along the line, this seems to have been lost for the Red Wings.

While coaching isn’t everything, some of the philosophies remain strong. Babcock is also a fan of telling the media that the Red Wings best players need to be their best players. This means guys like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Lidstrom, and so on, all need to step up. When the only guys showing any urgency are players like Helm, Abdelkader, Eaves, and Miller, you have to question who is playing playoff hockey? They may not be all stars, but every shift they go out there and lay everything on the table. The same cannot be said about the Red Wings big names recently.

When it comes down to game time, the players decide everything. Right now, everything is going the way of the Phoenix Coyotes. Tonight’s home crowd is going to be rowdy, full of energy, and ready to celebrate a series clinching victory. Ilya Bryzgalov will be in a position to lead his team to victory. His all out effort, and save after save performance will give his players and the home crowd a giant boost from the get go. On top of that, the strong defense and penalty killing we saw in Game 6 will return tonight.

It’s not so much that Phoenix will be good enough to win, but more or less that Detroit will be bad enough to lose. Rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard faces a lot of controversy after calling the Coyotes latest victory “lucky.” In his first playoff series, and first game 7, I don’t think he has what it takes just yet. He has been shaky, at best, in four out of six games thus far. While he will come to play tonight, a soft goal or two will lead to the ultimate demise of the Red Wings Stanley Cup dreams.

Prediction: Ilya Bryzgalov outplays Jimmy Howard in a battle of the netminders, while the Coyotes defense and penalty kill will stifle the Red Wings once again. A close 3-2 game down the stretch will be sealed by an empty netter for the Coyotes, who will advance to play San Jose in round two. Final score, 4-2, and the Doan face haunts the Red Wings all summer.

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Phoenix Coyotes Agreement Near

Apr 12

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Phoenix CoyotesThe two groups looking to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago’s Jerry Reinsdorf and the Ice Edge Group, have both signed memorandums of understanding on a revised lease agreement with the city of Glendale.

This is a step in the right direction for both the potential owners, the team and the city of Glendale.

Each proposal would benefit the buyer through a creation of a “Community Financial District”. A financial district encompasses offices and headquarters of many of the city’s major financial institutions. The proposals look to have the Financial District aid in the funding.

Each proposal also would change the current name of the Phoenix Coyotes to either the Glendale Coyotes or the Arizona Coyotes. It has not been reported if the logo will change as well or not.

The city council will vote on the proposals next Tuesday. If both proposals are approved, it will be left to the NHL to decide.

One thing that might factor into the decision of the city is the opt-out in Reinsdorf’s proposal. In the fifth year Reinsdorf, known as Glendale Hockey, would have the ability to give a 180-days notice that intends to sell the team. The city would then be given 180 days to find a buyer to keep the team in Glendale for a minimum purchase to Reinsdorf for $103 million.

Ice Edge does not have an opt-out notice, but looks to have a ticket surcharge that varies from Coyote games and other venues at Jobing arena.

The two proposals also vary in financing. Reinsdorf looks to bring more money to the table and looks at the team as a business investment, while Ice Edge would need bank financing, but has a better love of the game. The NHL does not allow a buyer to finance more than half of the value of the franchise while it is believed the initial $70 to $80 million is out of reach for Ice Edge.

Nothing is finalized and far from so, but steps are being made in the right direction. Each proposal and companies have their advantages and disadvantages. Right now it rests in the city of Glendale’s hands on what they believe to be the best for them and their fans.

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Phoenix Coyote’s Trade Deadline Acquisitions Paying Off

Mar 8

Posted by EB in News | 1 Comment

Wojtek Wolski looking good in his new uniform with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Wojtek Wolski looking good in his new uniform with the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Phoenix Coyote’s made a big splash on NHL trade deadline day. The team, who was expected to be run out of town this year, has had an impressive year thus far. Coyote’s fans were a little down after then team point leader Scottie Upshall was hurt and not to return for the rest of the season,  but now fans can cheer as the Coyote’s stocked up not only for the rest of the season, but for the upcoming playoff run. Here is a run down of those additions.

Wojtek Wolski has 2 goals and an assist in the two games played under a new jersey. In addition, he has a +3 rating and the game winning goal against his former team the Colorado Avalanche. Wolski was a stud in his Junior career earning the Ontario Hockey League’s MVP in the 2006 season. The trend seems to be continuing, and at the young age of 24, it is only expected he will get better and better.

Derek Morris returns home as he played with the Coyotes for 5 seasons from 2003-2009. The tough defenseman has put up a power play assist, +3 rating, and has already been in a fight. Morris’ physical presence in front of the net will assist in keeping it clean for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Mathieu Schneider has yet to play a game with the Coyotes and is currently playing with their AHL affiliate the San Antonio Rampage. The veteran defensman has been in question of his capabilities at his age, but optimist think he will be a good addition especially come playoff time.

Lee Stempniak entered the league at the tender age of 19 with the St. Louis Blues and posted an impressive 27 points. Since then, he has had a high of 52 points, but averages more around 35 points. Since joining the Coyotes, Stempniak has a point in each of his two games, a +3 rating, and 3 shots each game. Stempniak’s point production should be solid, making the third line even more dangerous than what it is already with the likes of sniper Robert Lang.

I cannot say I know too much about young center Petteri Nokelainen, but it seems he will be playing on the fourth line. Many people overlook the importance of this line thinking of it as less ice time away from better lines. True as that may be, those lines do need rest, and a good fourth line does not only give them that rest, they also keep pucks from going in the net. Nokelainen is currently sporting a balanced +/- rating, not scoring any goals, but not letting any in.

The Phoenix Coyote’s made some great steps to improving their already solid team. As much as I love my home team the Wing’s, I will be rooting for the Coyote’s this year in the playoffs. Let’s go Yotes!

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Six Teams To Open 2010-11 in Europe

Feb 9

Posted by Eddie in News | No Comments

Today, the NHL announced the teams that will begin the 2010-11 season in Europe. The same two cities that participated in the Compuware NHL Premiere last season will return (Stockholm and Helsinki) as well as the return of Prague, Czech Republic.

The O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic will host the Boston Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes in October, 2010.

The O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic will host the Boston Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes in October, 2010.

The games will take place between October 7 and October 10. There will be one game on Oct. 7 and 10, with two games occurring on Oct. 8 and 9. Each team will play two games against each other, with one team playing host for each game. Two matchups will have an Eastern Conference team playing a team from the Western Conference, while one series will have two from the West.

Traveling to Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland Oct. 7-8 will have Carolina taking on Minnesota. Each team currently has three Finnish players on its roster with Jussi Jokinen, Tuomo Ruutu, and Joni Pikanen playing for the Hurricanes and captain Mikko Koivu, Niklas Backstrom, and Antti Miettinen.

Playing Oct. 8-9 at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden will have Columbus playing against San Jose. The Blue Jackets have four Swedish players in Fredrik Modin,  Sammy Pahlsson, Anton Stralman, and Kristian Huselius. The Sharks are making their second overseas appearance, after they played Calgary in Tokyo, Japan in 1998. The Sharks have two Swedes, Douglas Murray and recent addition Niclas Wallin.

The Boston Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes will travel to Prague, Czech Republic for a Oct. 9-10 series. The Bruins will play in Europe for the first time in 50 years, while the Coyotes played in Finland in 1994 when they were the Winnipeg Jets. 

The Bruins’ current roster includes Czech players David Krejci, and Vladimir Sobotka.  In addition, team captain Zdeno Chara hails from Slovakia. The Coyotes’ current roster has Zbynek Michalek, Petr Prucha. Martin Hanzal, Robert Lang, and Radim Vrbata.

“The Premiere Games are a highly anticipated part of our season launch, and we are extremely pleased that six teams – more than ever – will open their season in Europe,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “With these games, nearly half of our Clubs will have participated in Premiere – a testament to how excited our teams are to be playing before our outstanding fans in Europe.”

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League’s Suspension Consistency

Jan 12

Posted by EB in News, Soap Box | 3 Comments

In last nights contest between the Minnesota Wild and the visiting team Pittsburgh Penguins, Pen’s Sergei Gonchar laid a questionably dirty and hgih hit on Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck.

The league this season is cutting down on head shots and recently displayed this by handing a suspension to Phoenix Coyote defenseman Ed Jovanovski for his elbow to New York Islanders John Tavares. The question becomes though, will the league suspend Gonchar?

The league has been under scrutiny for wanting to make the game a cleaner, safer game for the players, by removing dangerous plays. This year specifically by the means of removing head shots. Yet earlier in the season, when time to muscle up and stick to their guns, the league did not suspend Philadelphia Flyer’s Captain Mike Richards for a hit on Florida Panther’s star David Booth, leaving Booth on the IR to this day. So the question becomes, is the league playing favorites?

Recently stated, the league suspended defenseman Ed Jovanovski for an elbow to John Tavares’ head. Was this done because it was dangerous and shouldn’t be in the game? Was it done because it was blatantly obvious?  Or was it done because the person being hit was The John Tavares, the next greatest thing to hockey according to Canadian news for the past few years?

One would hope that that the league intends on removing dangerous plays, for the betterment of the players, but sometimes you do wonder if favorites are being played. Are you more likely to get a suspension if you hit a prominent figure in the NHL, or is the justice blind?

Underneath is the play where Gonchar took a run at Clutterbuck. You be the judge on a suspension or not.

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