Phoenix Coyotes (21-17-5, 47 pts): No one expected the Phoenix Coyotes to be anywhere near playoff contention at the beginning of this season. The acquisition of star forward Olli Jokinen has finally given the Coyotes someone that can take some of the offensive load off of captain Shane Doan. Meanwhile, their younger players have begun to emerge as solid performers, adding offense and unexpected depth to their roster.
Jokinen (14-15-29) may not be putting up the high point totals that were expected of him when he was brought out to the desert in return for two of Phoenix’s better defensemen, but Doan has responded to the acquisition admirably. Doan leads the Coyotes in all offensive categories, with 18 goals and 40 points so far. He is also averaging over 20 minutes of ice time a game, which is something not often seen by a physical forward like Doan. Meanwhile, youngsters Martin Hanzal and Peter Mueller are clearly benefiting from playing in a situation where they are asked to perform well, but have seasoned players like Doan and Jokinen to guide the way.
Defensively, the Coyotes have been good enough to get by, but the real story here is their goaltending. Ilya Bryzgalov has proven that he deserved a starting job. After laboring for a few seasons as the backup in San Jose, he has emerged as one of the top goalies in the division, posting 15 wins and a sizzling 2.63 GAA in 34 starts. If the Coyotes can pick up another offensive threat to add to Doan and Jokinen’s productivity, the Coyotes could be a surprise threat in the 2009 postseason.
Current League Rankings:
Goals - 25th Goals Against - 13th Powerplay Goals - 29th Powerplay Percentage - 28th Shorthanded Goals - T-8th Penalty kill percentage - 22nd