Arizona Coyotes Defense Breakdown By Player
Jan 19, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) and goalie Mike Smith (41) defend against the Dallas Stars attack during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Michalek is back, after signing a free agent contract for two years, and goalie Mike Smith is all smiles. The reason for that is Michalek is almost a second goalie due to the fact that he blocks so many shots. He has averaged 114 blocks a season in his 11 year NHL career. Of course, this increases his chances of injuries, but he is fearless on blocking shots, and that is just how he plays the game. This is his second stint with the Arizona Coyotes, and this time he wants to stay here for good.
Michalek told Coyotes Dave Vest:
"“I don’t want to leave again. This has always been a special place for me and my family. This was the team that really gave me a chance to become an NHL player, and I like to play here and live here and raise my kids here. This is a good organization run by good people and that’s why I came back.”"
He is especially happy to be back in the valley, playing for Head Coach Dave Tippett, whom he respects and knows what is expected of him. He also wants to keep playing as long as he can. He will be 33 in December, and the bruises, knocks and physical play could catch up to him.
It’s still not clear who Z will team up with on the blue-line, but if it’s Niklas Grossmann, or young Klas Dahlbeck, one thing is for certain – they will have a solid, NHL veteran as a partner defending the Arizona Coyotes defensive zone.
Next: Michael Stone