"one of the best groups of defenseman. "
"2 of the best offensive defenseman in hockey on it"

Quick tip JT.
More than 1 defenseman are called "defensemen".

I wouldn't usually point out such an elementary mistake, but you do it every single blog.



- Vanoxy

I would normally respond to this kind of comment with a hilarious quip about the amount of free time you apparently have, but when you're right, you're right. I will do better in the future not to make this error.

"I expect Boedker to be one of the NHL's breakout players this year. If he goes from 20/50 to 30/70 the Coyotes are laughing. If Hanzal avoids injury, if Gagner does too, you can pencil them both in for 70 as well. "

Ok so none of these players have hit over 51P, BUT on the offensive juggernaut squad that is Phoenix...they will each hit 70P.

You know how many teams had 3 players w/ 70 or more points last year? San Jose.

Gagner couldn't break 50 with Yakupov/Perron/Hemsky as his wingers, how will he hit 70 with any of PHX's forwards? Expect a 45 point season
- TheNugeIsHuge

Ok, there were only 18 70 point players in the NHL last year, so I fully acknowledge that I erred in saying all three of Hanzal, Gagner and Boedker could get 70. I should have slowed my roll a bit and thought it through more - I'd like to revise it to a more realistic but still not all that realistic 60!!!

All three of them have the potential and skill to crack 70 points - but the odds of all three of them playing 82 games are astronomical. The odds of all 3 of them having a high enough shooting percentage and having everything fall their way enough to get 70 points is, also, astronomical.

But, either way, my point remains the same: this team has more offensive talent than people think.

Sure, 3 X 70 is dumb. No way around that one, but I think all these guys have a lot more to show than they have so far, and that's all I was really trying to say.

I've tried to say things to bring this blogger to done semblance of reality, but for now I'll just sit back and have some popcorn. I just wonder, sincerely wonder, where some if these wild predictions really do originate, because from logic and fact they cannot be tied to in any way.

Lost thier top two scorers. Replaced one with a hopeful project. The sure fire Calder winner to be is back in juniors...
Smh

Seems a little over the top.....however, im not saying they are a lock, just that the unanimous decision of the hockey world to say a team that was just three points out last year has no chance to make it, is a little much. As for Gagner, he should get a very prominent role on this team and he has a career point per game average that translates to 50 points per 82 games for his entire career. I see no reason why he wont hit 70 when you consider his skills, age and more prominent role. I could be wrong, but its not close to being a ridiculous statement.
- James_Tanner

So a guy that has never reached 50 pts and has a PPG ave of 0.6 is not ridiculous? You're just (frank)ing with me now aren't you....

Nothing has changed in Gagner's role. He had a very prominent role in Edmonton and couldn't deliver 50 pts. He'll be playing the exact same role in Arizona - 2C with 1st/2nd unit PP time.

There's no way he reaches 70.

While you get a lot of flack, James, and often justifiably so, I WILL second being surprised that Domi didn't make the team out of camp and at least get a look.

While you get a lot of flack, James, and often justifiably so, I WILL second being surprised that Domi didn't make the team out of camp and at least get a look.
- Snowblind

I will be the third on Domi. I am very surprised but in the long run he will be a better player for it. Good management maybe, patience is the word.

I think Gagner could def score 70pts. However. Hanzal will never touch 70 points.

So a guy that has never reached 50 pts and has a PPG ave of 0.6 is not ridiculous? You're just (frank)ing with me now aren't you....

Nothing has changed in Gagner's role. He had a very prominent role in Edmonton and couldn't deliver 50 pts. He'll be playing the exact same role in Arizona - 2C with 1st/2nd unit PP time.

There's no way he reaches 70.
- NugentHallberle

Just wondering if you realize that his career average is 50 points per 82 games? He's had some bad injury luck, but if he manages to stay healthy - big IF I know - then he is a virtual lock for 50 and at age 25 stands a good chance for improvement.

Also, he was not on the first PP or first line in Edmonton. I don't know about first line, but he should at least get a ton of PP time in PHX.

I've tried to say things to bring this blogger to done semblance of reality, but for now I'll just sit back and have some popcorn. I just wonder, sincerely wonder, where some if these wild predictions really do originate, because from logic and fact they cannot be tied to in any way.

Lost thier top two scorers. Replaced one with a hopeful project. The sure fire Calder winner to be is back in juniors...
Smh
- jackzack87

Here's a hot tip my friend: if you're going to be condescending, at least try to be right. The Coyotes did not lose their top 2 scorers.

They actually had 7 guys with 44 or more points and 7 guys with 15 or more goals. So they are very well balanced and so obviously losing two guys who did not excel significantly past an entire third of the roster would not be as much of a big deal as LOSING THEIR TOP TWO SCORERS!!!!!! Which, I can assure you, they most definitely did not.

Fact: Mike Ribeiro was 5th on the team in scoring. Yes, fifth. Also, he scored 7 points in his final 23 games. He scored exactly 2 PP goals after Christmas and was entirely useless from January on. Also, he was basically fired for conduct detrimental to the team, so I doubt his loss will felt, at all.

As for Vrbata, he was tied for 2nd in scoring and was 3rd on the team in goals. He is perhaps famous for being the most over rated 20 goal scorer ever. This is a guy who didn't score in the last 12 games of the season for a team that missed the playoffs by 3 points. He scored once in his last 15 games. And we are really going to miss him?

Come on. Everything you are saying in your post is so disingenuous and unthinking and flat out wrong that I can't take your criticisms seriously.

I predict the team will make the playoffs and you act as if I just suggested Colton Orr will win the Art Ross. I suppose I could just copy and paste literally every other negative article about this team, but I like watching them and I think they're better than given credit for and there is no way I'm gonna sit here in October and say they suck before one game is even played. Jeez.......

Any scoop on the story out there that Coyotes may be sold yet again? I thought new owners were fully behind this?

Nah, JT is all class baby. I would never do that - the I told you so's will be doled out slowly over the course of the season!

Though, apparently the humiliation starts now, as my boyfriend, Max Domi, has been sent down.
- James_Tanner

God dammit Tanner. Now that you stole my line, I have nothing left to troll you on, jerk.

And don't worry Tanner, when I see him I'll tell him how obsessed you are with him, if he doesnt already know.

Shocked. Quite honestly a very surprising move.
- James_Tanner

With your predictions you'll be "shocked" all season long.

Ok, there were only 18 70 point players in the NHL last year, so I fully acknowledge that I erred in saying all three of Hanzal, Gagner and Boedker could get 70. I should have slowed my roll a bit and thought it through more - I'd like to revise it to a more realistic but still not all that realistic 60!!!

All three of them have the potential and skill to crack 70 points - but the odds of all three of them playing 82 games are astronomical. The odds of all 3 of them having a high enough shooting percentage and having everything fall their way enough to get 70 points is, also, astronomical.

But, either way, my point remains the same: this team has more offensive talent than people think.

Sure, 3 X 70 is dumb. No way around that one, but I think all these guys have a lot more to show than they have so far, and that's all I was really trying to say.
- James_Tanner

In theory, I have the potential to not masturbate to the sears catalogue , but lets be realistic here.....

there is being hopeful about a situation, and there is being delusional. I'll give you a free stab at which one you're being to a sane person.

I think Gagner could def score 70pts. However. Hanzal will never touch 70 points.
- poisondhearts37

Gagner could maybe score 70 if he had an elite linemate to carry him on an offensive team...even that's a stretch to me.

I will be the third on Domi. I am very surprised but in the long run he will be a better player for it. Good management maybe, patience is the word.
- flyerdude17

His offensive game is fine, but from everything I've read his defense and carelessness with the puck are still significant issues. Why are you guys so surprised that a coach like Dave Tippett would send him down if those were 2 of his issues?

God dammit Tanner. Now that you stole my line, I have nothing left to troll you on, jerk.

And don't worry Tanner, when I see him I'll tell him how obsessed you are with him, if he doesnt already know.
- IRON.MAIDEN

I highly doubt he has any clue that I exist. I just like to watch him from afar and dream!

His offensive game is fine, but from everything I've read his defense and carelessness with the puck are still significant issues. Why are you guys so surprised that a coach like Dave Tippett would send him down if those were 2 of his issues?
- EagleNuck

Mostly because he would instantly be the second best offensive player on a pretty weak offensive team.

I suspected they would live with any probs he had and let Tippett help him out but that's why I write a blog and don't manage a hockey team for a living. There's also the fact that he is a four year junior and has really nothing to gain by going back there. Too bad he can't play in the AHL. It is what it is but I am disappointed.


Seems the team decided they didn't have the stomach for a youth movement. Which is a shame because if they weren't so worried about the bottom line, it'd be sweet to move some of the duds out of here and play kids.

I highly doubt he has any clue that I exist. I just like to watch him from afar and dream!
- James_Tanner

Everyone knows of this site. As a draft pick, I'm sure he's browsed this blog. Give me a couple weeks and I'll find out for you.
Because if someone was writing me love poems daily, I'd want to find out who my admirer is right quick!

His offensive game is fine, but from everything I've read his defense and carelessness with the puck are still significant issues. Why are you guys so surprised that a coach like Dave Tippett would send him down if those were 2 of his issues?
- EagleNuck

There would be a surprise because of a team seeking offense. If a player isnt all there defensively you can still let him play and develop and learn. Hell Yandle is about as one way a player as you can get. Hes a defensive liability. But you let it go because of the rewards that come with it. There are other guys you surround them with to make up for it.

On that note. Its never a bad idea to not rush a kid into the league. But if he could physically take it. Why let him get atleast his 9 games.

I just read up on this 51 percent sale of the yotes. The article is claiming losses of 24mil last season alone.
So if this sale goes through, does the money from the sale wipe out the losses, and put this team back in the black?

There would be a surprise because of a team seeking offense. If a player isnt all there defensively you can still let him play and develop and learn. Hell Yandle is about as one way a player as you can get. Hes a defensive liability. But you let it go because of the rewards that come with it. There are other guys you surround them with to make up for it.

On that note. Its never a bad idea to not rush a kid into the league. But if he could physically take it. Why let him get atleast his 9 games.
- poisondhearts37

Tippett keeps note of every positive and negative play each player makes when he rewatches and studies the games. Clearly Domi was making more bad plays than good, the fans fall for the flash and potential but coaches need to win now so clearly Domi wasn't ready to help this team enough yet. I guarantee that you'll see him work on his two-way game in junior and likely work to get stronger as well.

I just read up on this 51 percent sale of the yotes. The article is claiming losses of 24mil last season alone.
So if this sale goes through, does the money from the sale wipe out the losses, and put this team back in the black?
- IRON.MAIDEN

I doubt it. but who knows. That might not even be accurate, numbers can be tricky. But it's hard to say. Still very concerning.

I doubt it. but who knows. That might not even be accurate, numbers can be tricky. But it's hard to say. Still very concerning.
- James_Tanner

The article did say the "unofficial losses"...so it could be false. Just thought you may of heard different.

Gagner could maybe score 70 if he had an elite linemate to carry him on an offensive team...even that's a stretch to me.
- EagleNuck

Gagne will be great this year.
Slide Ribeiro to his left wing and Vrbata on the right side, and you have a solid second line.


Oh, wait... Never-mind.




On the bright side, McDavid and Domi will be awesome together...
In 3 years...
In Seattle.

Gagne will be great this year.
Slide Ribeiro to his left wing and Vrbata on the right side, and you have a solid second line.



Oh, wait... Nevermind.

On the bright side, McDavid and Domi will be awesome together...
In 3 years...
In Seattle.




- Vanoxy

Burrows will look awesome raising the cup .......

oh wait....nevermind.

on the bright side, the sedins will be awesome together
in 3 years
in the broadcast booth