CONFIRMED: Doan Returns

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Tippett let us know what we already knew deep in our hearts. Shane Doan is returning to play tonight agains the Philadelphia Flyers.

To Recap: Shane has been out since early December once he began exhibiting signs of Rocky Mountain Fever, a disease that attacks the red blood cells. For a player like Doan who’s built Ford tough it was difficult sitting out for as long as he did. Especially after watching the New Years game in his civvies.

"When they win the other night against Edmonton I was as happy as I was- just as happy being in the hallway as I was in… but I mean, you want to be on that bench. You want to be contributing and you see what Yands (Keith Yandle) did in that game and it was pretty special."

So obviously the question is what can we expect from the Yotes Captain’s return to the ice? And the truth of the matter is Shane knows about as much as we do.

"I really don’t know (what to expect)… I know I’m gonna, you know, do as much as I can and go as hard as I can and I think I can contribute and help. And um, that’s kind of where I’m at. I know I can contribute and help and I know I wanna, well, that’s what I want to do. I don’t know – I mean I’ll sure I’ll be a little rusty, and I’ll be winded but… we’ll get over it."

Where the Coyotes could use him most is during the Power Plays, seeing as how they could not capitalize on any during their loss to the Blue Jackets this past Thursday. And before his illness Doan had had one heck of a season doing just that. If anything maybe he can add some much needed veteran calm in those moments.

"I think our power plays have been good and as your power plays are good people benefit from it and I was benefitting from that. I wanna get out there and help and, you know, just do the little things. Tipp always talks about being sound. Being sound and playing the game the right way and doing the little things. And if I can make sure I get focused on getting the puck out at the blue line, go to the front of the net, be around the net… hopefully you can contribute…"

So in a little over and hour we’ll see the return of our leader. Here’s hoping Doan can give ’em hell. Until next time, stay ornery Arizona.