Adam French: Phoenix Wins in Home Opener 4-1

Full credit to Smith, Vrbata and the rest of the Coyotes last night. If Smith plays the majority of the season, like he did last night, this club could be a dark horse in the West this season.

They have two tough teams in their division, in San Jose and LA, but they look like they could grab that third spot in the division for sure.

Good read buddy! Phoenix could surprise this year, which shouldn't really be a surprise because they are generally pretty good.

Full credit to Smith, Vrbata and the rest of the Coyotes last night. If Smith plays the majority of the season, like he did last night, this club could be a dark horse in the West this season.

They have two tough teams in their division, in San Jose and LA, but they look like they could grab that third spot in the division for sure.
- MidnightMarauder

San Jose has a history of making the Yotes their female dog and LA is always a tough competitor these days...going to be interesting. The wildcard has to be Vancouver in this new division, they have the "on paper" team, but can they get it done?

very good reasonable analysis Adam

San Jose has a history of making the Yotes their female dog and LA is always a tough competitor these days...going to be interesting. The wildcard has to be Vancouver in this new division, they have the "on paper" team, but can they get it done?
- AdamFrench

Not sure if Vancouver has the team "on paper" as you say. Yes, the Sedins, Kessler, Burrows, Edler and Luongo are all top quality players but I think their overall balance isn't really there.

Plus, unless Luongo plays all 82 games, they are going to have serious issues winning games when Lack starts.

I feel Phoenix's system is a strong one and the players all seem to follow be solid foot soldiers for Tippett. They possess a strong blue line and their forwards are pretty solid.

No real superstar up front but Vrbata, Boedker(sp?), Doan and Ribeiro are all solid top six forwards. They looked good last night and despite playing in a tough division, I think they will be playoff bound this season.

very good reasonable analysis Adam
- jimbro83

Thanks man. I know it's early but are you guys liking AV over Torts. I don't know why but I never felt that the Rangers were the right build for him, kind of like square pegs in round holes. Especially with that defense, it's easily good enough to play a heavy possession game instead of collapsing. Staal-McDonaugh-Del Zotto-Girardi, that's a crazy top-four.

Thanks man. I know it's early but are you guys liking AV over Torts. I don't know why but I never felt that the Rangers were the right build for him, kind of like square pegs in round holes. Especially with that defense, it's easily good enough to play a heavy possession game instead of collapsing. Staal-McDonaugh-Del Zotto-Girardi, that's a crazy top-four.
- AdamFrench

I was a very pro-Torts guy who didn't want him fired and didn't think he deserved to be fired after such a wacky lockout shortened season where we still won a playoff round.

That being said, I have liked the Vigneault hiring and will definitely have patience with him while he gets this thing going. I am just afraid with the injuries and this insane 9 game road trip the Rangers may find themselves in a deep hole they struggle to get out of all season long.

Thanks Adam,

Inspired performance last night. They gave the Rangers very little 5 on 5, at times Nash and Richards were invisible out there. Aside from losing an edge and leaving his partner (Schlemko) to face a 2 on 1, I thought Rundblad had a pretty decent game.

Now comes a 5 game road trip.

Good game played by Yotes. If Smith stays healthy and plays well, definitely you guys are the dark horse team. Yotes have 1 of the best blue lines in the NHL and a good enough top 6, which is starting to become the formula of today's hockey teams.

Yotes looked solid.

Not having Yandle on the first powerplay unit is more than questionnable imo.

Thanks Adam,

Inspired performance last night. They gave the Rangers very little 5 on 5, at times Nash and Richards were invisible out there. Aside from losing an edge and leaving his partner (Schlemko) to face a 2 on 1, I thought Rundblad had a pretty decent game.

Now comes a 5 game road trip.
- Desert_Dog

Ya the defense was pretty good. Aside from that Morris pinch that led to the first goal...ugg what was he thinking?

Also I like Schlemko and all...but Stone is simply a better player, I know Tippett doesn't want a bottom-pairing of two 23 year olds but come on...

I think the NYR and ducks are in for long years. Just a gut feeling i had coming into this year, and no i don't think the leafs are awesome. And not based on last night's game - i just think the Rangers may miss the playoffs. i hope not, i do like the Rangers to be honest.

Adam French: Phoenix Wins in Home Opener 4-1
- AdamFrench

So I guess Barkov can play in the NHL this season...

As a Blackhawks fan now living in Arizona, I was very impressed with the 4th line. They had a solid forecheck all night. Klinkhammer was all over the ice. Not watching many Coyotes games in the past, they added a solid contribution. Wonder if they're always like that or if this is a new happening.

Still rooting for the Hawks first and foremost, but the Yotes will be a fun team to root for. I liked the new ownership group and what they had to say. I'm sure that's a sore subject. I appreciated their knowledge of Phoenix being a destination but they are trying to minimize the opposing jerseys in the stands. Excited for the tailgating, too.

I agree with your analysis of Ribiero. I wasn't ever that impressed with him in Dallas and it'll be interesting to see if he can produce on the PP without Ovi and Backstrom. If he can, this is a dangerous team. Love watching OEL play. He's a better version if my favorite player, Nick Leddy.

Looking forward to following the team and the Coyotes portion of this site.