NHL Preview: Phoenix Coyotes

Saturday, 21 October 2006

2005 record: 38-39-5 (81 points)

2005 offense rank: 19th (2.95 goals per game)

2005 defense rank: 22nd (3.27 goals allowed per game)

Key Additions: D Nick Boynton, D Ed Jovanovski, RW George Laraque, C Jeremy Roenick

Key Losses: LW Geoff Sanderson, RW Mike Johnson, D Paul Mara

Overview: The Phoenix Coyotes’ 38-39-5 record in 2005 can be mainly attributed to their complete lack of offensive firepower as they only averaged 2.95 goals per contest. Shane Doan was the team’s leading scorer with a paltry 30 goals and 66. Superstars Brett Hull and Pavel Nedved were complete busts, and the Coyotes were hurt by the early season injury to Ladislav Nagy. Unfortunately for Coyote fans who are looking for more offense, the team spent its offseason upgrading the defensive corps, so fans should prepare themselves for many 1-0 and 2-1 games this season. The league’s 22nd-ranked defense underwent a big facelift in the offseason with the signings of stud defensemen Jovanovski, Boynton and toughman Laraque. All three men will bring added toughness and grit to the Coyotes blue line, and Jovanovski has the skills to jump into the play on the offensive end. Laraque will immediately become the team’s enforcer and will protect the area in front of goal.

G Curtis Joseph will turn 40 this season but shows no signs of slowing down after posting 32 victories and a 2.91 goals against average in 2005. Cujo will definitely enjoy the added protection that will come from addition of Boynton, Jovanovski and Laraque on the blue line. With an anemic offensive attack, the Coyotes are going to rely on their defense, in particular Joseph, to pull out a lot of close games. Is it realistic to expect another stellar season from the 40-year-old Joseph? Many sports betting fans don’t think so.

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WagerWeb.com odds: +5000 to win the Stanley Cup

Players to Watch: Nagy suffered a season-ending knee injury last season and needs to come back at full strength to help the Coyotes offense. The Coyotes brought back fan favorite Roenick to try and add some additional pop to the offense. As the team’s first-line center, Steve Reinprecht needs to produce more than the 22 goals and 30 assists he logged in 2005-06.

Outlook: It is a safe bet that the Coyotes defense will be better in 2005, but their offense could still be lethargic. If the Coyotes are going to have any success this season, it will be on the backs of their defensemen and Joseph. If hockey fans in the desert are looking for high-scoring contests, they should look elsewhere. Many sportsbooks are predicting another last place finish in the Pacific Division for the Coyotes this year.

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