Before I get to today's team in the 2012-13 NHL Season Preview (lockout proof), I do have to address the 5-2 drubbing the Portland Winterhawks took against the Seattle Thunderbirds. No one ever said it was going to be an easy road, and certainly, not having two of your best three offensive options is not good. The goaltending will get better as the season goes on, but there are growing pains to get through, and I believe Brendan Burke will be good at the end of the year. The blue line is a work in progress, but I think it, too, will be where it should be, and likely the best part of the team. Now, that I'm done with my Winterhawks report, on to the NHL team:
2011-12 record: 42-27-13 (97 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Conference Finals
Captain: Shane Doan
The Coyotes have been predicted to finish out of the playoffs in each of the last three years, and each year, they've made the playoffs. This past season was undoubtedly their best yet, as they made the Conference Finals with Mike Smith in goal. Yes, the same Mike Smith who couldn't stick as a starter in goalie-starved Tampa Bay. It's about time we give due to the coaching staff, who has not only resurrected the career of a player, but also maximized the team's abilities. It begins with Shane Doan, who will be finishing his career in Phoenix after signing a four year deal to remain with the team. Radim Vrbata is the goal scorer on the team, but beyond that, it's scoring by committee, and Martin Hanzal and Mikkel Boedker are ready to take the next step after having their coming out party in the playoffs. Defensively, there is a great deal of depth, with Brandon Gormley and David Rundblad likely having to fight for the last spot in the top six. Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are as good as it gets when starting the offense, but Ekman-Larsson is not too far from being the best of a solid group.
Prediction: 8th in the West
Band: Ancient Rites
A band that has been around for a while, Ancient Rites hasn't quite gotten the recognition they have deserved. For a time, that changed in 2008. The Coyotes are hoping that recognition lasts longer.
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