Phoenix Coyotes left wing Rob Klinkhammer (36) takes the ice prior to the game Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming road trip will have it’s own preview but for now it is a team behind you in the standings and you must play a professional 60 minutes or the wins over Detroit and LA will be for not. 6 points at home and at least 4 on the road with a possible 6 in those 3 games. Blues is a must win as they are right there in the standings ahead of us. Then the hot Chicago Blackhawks followed by an angry Detroit Red Wings team. Would be nice to win one of them or at least get points in them.

Let’s turn to the new additions. First in net with Chad Johnson. He had a shutout this season in his first opportunity and followed by a great performance with no goal support in a loss but it was not his fault. Last night he was stellar for the middle 57 minutes only giving up a pair early and late. I like his focus and ease in net. I would like to see much more going forward.

Hard to call Rob Klinkhammer new as he seems to be a fan favorite but I love his play and his fearless constitution. The Hammer is one to watch and I love his celebrations.

Recent add on from AHL is Chris Conner who has a world of speed but not much frame. No one told him though as he does the intangibles I love like going to the front of the net, causing a distracted goalie to keep one eye on him at all times. I believe he scored one and caused a straight slapper to get by Howard as it looked as if he would deflect the puck but did not. Silent assist. It is the infusion of youth and speed that seem to energize the entire Coyotes group as a collective at times.

Chris Brown does some good things as well. He is not as fast but has the frame to jockey in the painted crease adjacent.

Going forward I am excited to see the Coyotes management and coaching staff continue their magic. After the deadline moves the win over the hated Red Wings was just what the doctor ordered. There was a lull that seemed to hang early Thursday night but it all was the past in that 2nd period storm.

The Coyotes are a noble gray steed who is hard working and hard charging, capable of a tremendous run down the stretch while always being the long shot. Several times the critics have claimed it was time to send him to the glue factory. San Jose and Chicago are the early morning favorites. Both with awesome looking colts who have sprinted to the lead while never truly being challenged. This is the Coyotes chance to gain some serious ground but it’s time to go to the whip for coach Dave Tippett.

The Phoenix Coyotes were embarrassed on home ice Thursday by the front running Blackhawks. The test in San Jose will either prove the Coyotes contenders or pretenders. Will Mike Smith change his hair style, will Keith Yandle get rid of the yipps, or will they actually play Pack mentality and gritty defense that led them to the Pacific Division Championship last season? They outlasted the Sharks, sent home Chicago, and proved their style can work.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe a road trip is much needed. Sometimes you can rest too easy at home with 2 days off.  Road trips bring teammates together and galvanizes them moving forward. Plenty of motivation in a 6-2 drubbing. So when the puck drops we shall see which Coyotes squad will show up. The one who had a 3 – 1 lead in San Jose or the squad who gave up 4 goals in the first against Chicago and 3rd against San Jose. This team can battle with anyone but shown it can self-destruct button as well.

Saturday afternoon at 2pm we will get our answers. Marleau, Thorton, and Niemi await.