The Arizona Coyotes started this decade as the Phoenix Coyotes and they were perpetually in last place and on the brink of moving for most of the start of it.
Seventeen owners, six mascots ("Fishy" the inexplicable Arizona Cat-Fish was my favorite, but he lasted only two preseason games), two GMs, a new coach later, and a rebranding later, the Coyotes are now a competitive team on the verge of first place.
They just won a bidding war for the NHL's most coveted player. They have the best goalie in the NHL, and a team that hopes to win a round or two and maybe luck their way into a championship.
It's halcyon days for the Coyotes.
I mean it - they haven't changed owners in weeks, a new highway was just built to help them get at least 17 extra fans to every game, and they've got a solid team with all their building blocks signed through eternity.
A Vegas loss tonight coupled with a Coyotes win vs the Blues will see them start the new decade in first place.
Not only is it arbitrary, but it will also be on a technicality (the Canucks and Knights will each be tied with them but will have played more games).
Arbitrary on a Technicality? That's my kind of victory.
Here are some quick points of Coyotes news:
Darcy Kuemper is an all-star.
Aaron Ness is on waivers.
Jan Jenik injured at World Juniors.
Happy New Years!
I'd like to close this out by saying something sentimental and inspiring, but that isn't my style.