Arizona Coyotes: Desert Digest, Vol. III

Sep 22, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Martin Erat (10) skates with the puck as Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) chases during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Just “Martin Erat” days until the season begins! (yes, I just really went there. Feel free to gag if you’d like)

If you think there’s no news, think again. Here’s what you’ve missed in the past week-

Team Cut to 32

The Arizona Coyotes have officially announced the second round of cuts, which included star prospects Henrik Samuelsson and Tyler Gaudet. Of the five forwards head Coach Dave Tippet announced he has been the most pleased with, only three remain in contention for a starting spot with the squad- Max Domi, Lucas Lessio, and Tobias Rieder.

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Oil On Whyte

While Lessio and Rieder are able to be called up and down as needed, Domi’s age (he doesn’t turn twenty until Spring) limits him to either making the NHL team full-time, or heading back to his OHL team, the London Knights. He will have nine games for the team’s front office to decide whether he stays or goes, so he’s unlikely to get cut until then.

For the full list of cuts, click here.

For the full story on what the next round of cuts could mean for some familiar faces, click here.

Coyotes post shut-out against Anaheim Ducks

In another split-squad game this past week, the Arizona Coyotes recorded a 4-0 shutout over the Anaheim Ducks.

Although most big names didn’t get a chance to play, the game provided a good chance for fans to catch a glimpse of Arizona’s future. Lucas Lessio was strong on offense when the team was full strength, and the one-two punch of Michael Stone and David Schlemko created a fantastic offensive push from the blue line on the power play.

The big names of the night, though, were the team’s two goalies- Louis Domingue and Marek Langhammer, who together combined for zero goals against- and newcomer Justin Hodgman.

To read more about how the game went, click here.

Charity Hockey

This Saturday saw a break from the intensity of pre-season play, as the Coyotes played… well, the Coyotes…. in an intra-squad pre-season exhibition game.

The game was played to support the 100 Club of Arizona, and included a 50/50 raffle, live auction with signed jerseys, and a ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ to collect teddy bears for local police stations and fire departments.

Miss the game? Don’t worry- you can still donate.

Injury Report

Unfortunately, it seems that 2014 first-round draft pick Brendan Perlini’s preseason has been cut short.

It was announced earlier in the week that Perlini is in need of hand surgery after injuring it during training camp. While the forward wasn’t likely to make the squad this year, he’s going to miss out on vital experience skating with the veterans, as he recovers from the broken wrist.

"There’s no clear timeline for how long Perlini will be out, as is the case with a couple of other league-wide injuries. He will now join players such as Pavel Datsyuk, Derek Stepan, Beau Bennett, and Jordan Staal in being sidelined during the rest of preseason play- and potentially into the season."

Perlini will be headed back to his OHL squad this fall, playing for the Niagara IceDogs again this season.

Check back with us throughout the week for continued Arizona Coyotes coverage!