The Phoenix Coyotes have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season. Despite never-ending speculation about the team’s future in Arizona, and an ownership drama that belongs more on the Jerry Springer show than a professional sports league, the Coyotes have soldiered on, and are now a threat to win the Pacific Division and earn one of the top seeds in this year’s postseason tournament.
Offense: B The Coyotes don’t have a single 30 goal scorer on their team, and only Radim Vrbata has more than 20. However, all but one of the team’s regular roster has 10 or more points, and all six of the team’s top forwards have more than 30 points. Deadline acquisitions Wojtek Wolski and Lee Stempniak have been great since joining the club, and Stempniak has 13 goals in only 14 games with the club.
Defense: A+ The Coyotes have always been a defensively minded club, but it wasn’t until this year that their mindset has truly paid off. Phoenix ranks 4th in the league and 1st in the West in fewest goals allowed. A defensive corps full of solid veterans has led this team all season. Keith Yandle, Ed Jovanoski, Derek Morris and Adrian Aucoin all contribute at both ends of the ice.
Goaltending:A+
Ilya Bryzgalov is turning out to be the steal of the year, as the Coyotes grabbed a potential Vezina winner off the waiver wire. With a 2.31 GAA and a .920 save percentage to go with his 40 wins, Bryzgalov is among the league leaders in all three categories. He also leads the league with 8 shutouts. Backup Jason LaBarbera has been solid as well, posting a 2.16 GAA and .929 save percentage in 16 starts.
Special Teams: C Opposite ends of the spectrum for the Coyotes here. Their PK is among the best in the league, allowing goals on less than 16% of opposing team’s powerplays. Their powerplay is one of the worst in the NHL, however, ranking ahead of only Toronto and Florida with a dismal 15.4% conversion rate.