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Arizona Coyotes New Season Is Finally Here

By Chris Reid

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 Every Arizona Coyotes’ fan motto:

“Like my father’s come to pass
Twenty years has gone so fast
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends”

Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends

Thank goodness the calendar has turned, because it’s HOCKEY SEASON!! Ever since 1996 when the then Phoenix Coyotes lit the lamp in the old America West Arena to today’s Arizona Coyotes doing it in Glendale, October 1st is a rite of passage in the Southwest. It begins to cool off, Pumpkin Spice Lattes arrive at Starbucks, and the Boys of Winter begin their quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

The biggest questions remain however; since the Arizona Coyotes unexpected run to the Western Conference Finals four seasons ago, there has been nothing but struggle — and a lack of success.

What can make the 2015/2016 season any different?

A few things I think, can go a long way to set the stage for this year and the next – the 20th Anniversary Season of the Arizona Coyotes arrival. With some hard work, and good fortune a new era of success is at the end of this tunnel.

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The Arizona Coyotes’ front office and staff are cognizant of the errors of the past, and are unwilling to make those same mistakes again. GM Don Maloney has done a masterful job of stockpiling new, young talent for the future.

Yet, in prior rebuilds, they rushed their kids to the NHL too quickly, and it blew up in their face. Kyle Turris, the wonder kid, was a yo-yo between the NHL and the minors, as he was unable to adapt at such a young age. He was “flat-out not ready” GM Maloney recently admitted while being interviewed on the Sirius network.

Mikkel Boedker was very nearly a victim of the Turris death spiral, but the team managed to save him.

The future of Arizona Coyotes lies in the new generation of Max Domi, Brendan Perlini, Connor Murphy, Anthony Duclair, et al. It was even demonstrated by the Coyotes during the unveiling of their new sweaters at the draft party. Domi, Perlini, Murphy, and Christian Dvorak modeled the new gear on stage and in promo media. This is the future.

The Desert Dogs have been smart in holding them back in order to ensure their success. The talent on the farm is among the best in hockey and, any farmer will tell you, it pays to be careful and nurture what you have. What they have can be great.

What’s the old adage? “Defense wins Championships”? Well, with a defensive minded system coach like Dave Tippett, defense is what is going to make the ‘Yotes go to the next level.

The past few seasons have been riddled with a porous blue line, and GMDM made sure the King OEL has some help. Zbynek Michalek has been brought back, and Nicklas Grossman has been brought in to shore up the defense.

With the continuing growth of Connor Murphy and Michael Stone it has the makings of a classic Tippet defense – the same kind of D that the Coyotes rode to the Western Finals a few short years ago. Getting back to basics will help a lot.

Oct 2, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Lastly, Mike Smith. If Smitty can continue his improved play from the end of last year and stay healthy – the Arizona Coyotes have a chance to make a run.

I know the Kings, and the Ducks, and the Blackhawks are all in the way. But, if Smitty is on his game and we have a defense who make stops, and the kids turn out to be more than alright…..I may enjoy this spring more than October.

Wouldn’t we all love to see that?

P.S.: I’m Chris, the new writer on staff. Thanks for reading my first post on the Arizona Coyotes.

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