Arizona Coyotes forward Joe Vitale leaves Saturday’s game early after a fight in the second period.
Joe Vitale of the Arizona Coyotes had an interesting season debut against the Boston Bruins this past Saturday. After being a healthy scratch for the first four games of the season, Vitale was ready to show the team that he deserves a spot on the roster. Vitale made his debut on a line featuring Shane Doan and Brad Richardson against the Bruins.
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Joe Vitale is a quiet hockey player that plays within his role. ‘Number Fourteen’ for the Arizona Coyotes is a grinder at the center position. His toughness and tenacity earn him a solid spot on any team’s fourth line.
Last season with the Coyotes, Vitale played in 70 games where he accounted for three goals and six assists. In 233 total NHL games, Joe Vitale has totaled 44 points.
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Goals and assists are not accurate forms of measurements for the style of Vitale’s game. His hard-hitting attitude is described through his forecheck and ability to block shots. Joe’s presence on the ice was felt in his first NHL game of the 2015-2016 season. His behind-the-net forecheck ultimately led to Shane Doan scoring his 900th career point. His ability to box out opponents near the crease is something to take note of as well.
Aside from setting Shane Doan up for his 900th NHL career point last Saturday, Joe Vitale had a knack for drawing a few penalties for the Arizona Coyotes squad. Vitale sent the Coyotes on the power-play twice that evening by drawing calls against Zdeno Chara and Adam McQuaid. Arizona unfortunately did not capitalize on those opportunities.
Joe Vitale’s highlight of the night came in the second period when he engaged in a fight with Boston’s Kevan Miller:
As seen above, Joe Vitale took a few good punches to the head after landing a few of his own. Vitale immediately left for the dressing room after the fighting major was declared. Joe Vitale would not return to this game. Later on, it was revealed that he was sent to the hospital for x-rays.
The injury was more serious than everyone thought. As of Monday, the Arizona Coyotes have placed Joe Vitale on the injured reserve list. The Coyotes called up Matthias Plachta to replace his roster spot. It is unlikely that Vitale will join the team on their five game road trip beginning on Tuesday against New Jersey.
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