They didnt go down without a fight forcing overtime but falling 4-3 in the extra session. Not a horrible season in the end but definitely not aided by the big club’s constant need to poach it’s talent to fill holes due to injury, suspension, and trades. When the Coyotes declared themselves sellers at the trade deadline it marked the start of several long flight from Phoenix to Portland and vice versa.

Remaining bright spots were Chad Johnson and Alexander Bolduc who both played well enough to be considered full time with Phoenix next season. It should mark a minature rebuilding effort where Phoenix tries to find an offensive identity. Rhythm and consistency is badly needed for both clubs and through the draft and free agency both the Coyotes and Pirates will be defined.

Overtime saw both teams get quality chances to end the game. Chad Johnson made some key saves, keeping the season alive for Portland. The Pirates were out shot 15-4 in the overtime period, and 45-18 total for the game. With just 16.2 seconds left in the overtime period, Palat struck again, picking up a loose rebound off a Taormina shot to end the Pirates’ season, and give the Crunch a 4-3 victory and series sweep.

Onto an off season which will be defined by what the Coyotes need first then the talent left over will once again rally together and try to return for a deeper run in the 13-14 season.

Miele, Bolduc, and Nick Johnson all scored in the season’s finale and you will be seeing a lot more of those names in the future if you are a fan of Portland or Phoenix. I love the young talent and although both teams experienced very little as far as a post season….brighter days will come.

February 2, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Raffi is back and showed his grit right away. Mike Smith is back and showed fire and aggressiveness. Coyotes take 3 of 4 points in the back to back. A lot of it had to do with stingy defense sticks on the ice, Pack mentality, and another overall team performance. The Yotes have clicked like this a few times this season including a 2-1 loss to Edmonton. This may not of been their most complete game with Dallas on tired legs, but hey we played last night too. When the defense is playing like this, Mike Smith is saving like that, it will be a long night for a lot of teams.

Division wins in regulation are at a premium in this shortened season. A few wins in a row and you can find your self in a playoff spot or even higher. Nick Johnson may start getting fantasy attention if he stays this hot with his 3rd goal on the season mid 2nd period to open up the scoring. Any time the Desert Dawgs get a lead the game changes and they play very stingy defense. Early 3rd period Boedker grabbed a rebound to score a power play goal to give the Yotes a 2-0 lead and it was all Coyotes after that. Instead of playing passive or letting the Stars take the puck to them, they stayed aggressive and kept the pressure on the Stars. Glad to see guys crashing the front of the net.

Mike Smith earned the shutout but gets a lot of help from his friends. Even with only 12,000 fans, home ice seems to fuel Smitty as he earned the first star. 2nd star went to Nick Johnson as he’s starting to become a sturdy force for the Coyotes. With the Super Bowl off the Coyotes return to Jobing.com Monday to take on the Minnesota Wild at 7pm. $35 lower bowl tickets as well as $15 upper tickets available. Student can get best seat available in the house for $25. Come out and join the HUNT!