Arizona Coyotes Pucksgiving: Things We’re Thankful For

Richie Flores: We should be thankful for Shane Doan

Nov 13, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Doan’s Stats this season: 
GP: 23 
Points: (7G, 8A) 15 points
SOG: 59 (leads all Arizona Coyotes forwards)

Captain Coyote is entering his nineteenth season with the Desert Dogs, and we can’t be more thankful for it.

So far this season, Doan has proven to be the most consistent, flexible player on the team. He’s played with practically half the team’s offensive roster at one point or another, yet still leads the team in even-strength goals (6, tied with Antoine Vermette), leads all Arizona Coyotes forwards in shot attempts (59), and has been one of the few guys in all 23 games to maintain high energy no matter what the score.

Doan spent a good portion of last season out with Rocky Mountain Fever, so we’re all thankful to have him back healthy — and it seems like he’s avoided the league-wide mumps epidemic, so we’re thankful for that, too. He’s the team veteran by a good margin, so we’re thankful for his wisdom and league experience — and after watching him light the lamp against the Anaheim Ducks this season, we’re thankful that he still knows how to keep a team alive.

Mostly, though, we’re thankful that he’s meshing so well with team rookie Tobias Rieder. The two have been pretty consistent on a line together, whether as a part of special teams, flanking Sam Gagner on even strength, or just pushing the team to a shootout when the game heads into overtime. Shane Doan may be a controversial player around the league, but we can’t think of anyone we’d be more thankful to have mentoring the team’s diamond in the rough.

Also… we’re pretty thankful for that sick Movember ‘stache, although it still doesn’t necessarily touch Keith Yandle’s.

Next: Coach Tippy