Phoenix Coyotes fate resides in the hands of 7 people? Part 2
By Troy Baker
Apr. 26, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett looks on during the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
With the core group in place. Re-signing Don Maloney and Dave Tippett to a long term contract the future is bright. Before the lockout the Coyotes showed without ownership, marquee players, and flexibility to be buyers at the trade deadline they could compete for the Cup. They were ousted by the Cup winners. Season ticket holders hit an all-time high. Then the lockout. Just another step back in the saga. For every step forward (new team in phoenix, white out and rivalry with the Red Wings, Jobing.com arena, Wayne Gretzky, Western Conference Finals run) there is a step back (3500 limited view seats at AWA, Jerry Moyes, Wayne Gretzky, bubble burst, foreclosure capital of the world, and the lockout.) It just seems unfair sometimes to really judge the success of this franchise.
The last four years have been mired in confusion and clouded with the talk of relocation. The brave souls who wear Sedona Red and roam the sidelines at jobing.com have to think every day about the possibility of ripping their children out of school and moving to another city and maybe even country. The Canadian media, fans, and internet trolls have been less than gracious either. Constant sniping and convenient timing of leaks or announcements seem cruel at times. Right before the playoffs and the word inconvenient has become synonymous with our franchise.
Regardless of the gloomy cloud overhead Dave Tippett squares his jaw and moves forward. The phrase attitude reflects leadership is etched in stone somewhere and the Coyotes definitely resemble the staff, management and definitely their coaches. Every season experts pick them last. Talking heads say this is the year the Coyotes leave Glendale. Yet they stay and more inconceivable they win. With a reject goalie and a band of brothers thrown into a system that wins. When I first heard of a dump and chase or cycling the puck I thought it was boring. I still like skating the puck in but seeing Yandle turn it over I get it.