Phoenix Coyotes report card 1/3 of the 2013 season Part I
By Troy Baker
Well to take a look at the season you have to analyze each aspect of the game.
Coaching: A
Dave Tippett has stood firm on his system and principles. No matter what injuries to Mike Smith, Rusty Klesla, Derek Morris, Martin Hanzal, Matt Lombardi, Steve Sullivan, and so on. Of course no Torres for the first few weeks. Speaking of injury coach Sean Burke has to get a nod for bringing in a young goalie in Chad Johnson who played awesome in his 2 game stint. Assistants Playfair and Anderson also have to get their just due.
Captains: C
Hard to judge here. One game they include a star and another a goat. So is the case for Keith Yandle. Half the fans defend him for his offensive prowess much needed and the other half want him gone. He has 3 assists or a goal one night and 3 turnovers leading to at least one goal the next night. Doan has had flashes but all and all a rusty start. He just doesn’t look up to speed. Leadership is there though of course. That is a given. Something Yandle could learn from taking unsportsmanlike penalties leading to 5 on 3 man disadvantages at putting games out of reach. Hanzal when healthy is solid. He is one of the top 5 players on the team by far.
Centers and Wingers: B
A few have had slow starts including Moss and Vermette but all and all a good hard working group that has a lot to do with the team staying relevant. Nick Johnson is refreshing boost to an impressive young squad with veteran sprinkles. Sullivan got hurt then a hat trick. Shows he can fill in nicely for Whitney. Boedker and Korpiskoski are fun to watch. Vrbata is arguably the best offensive weapon still and Boyd Gordon is a face off machine.