Arizona Coyotes: Shane Doan Named NHL’s Second Star of the Week
Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan had what can only be termed an exciting week last week. After scoring five goals in three games and breaking the Coyotes franchise goal-scoring record, the NHL named him it’s second star of the week.
As the long serving captain of the Arizona Coyotes, there’s not much to quibble about with Shane Doan.
He’s been the consummate professional, loyal to a fault. He’s etched his name in the franchise record books. He’s beloved for what he’s done both on and off the ice.
After breaking Dale Hawerchuk‘s franchise goal-scoring record last week, the accolades continued to roll in on Monday as he was named the NHL’s second star of the week.
More from Howlin' Hockey
- How the Arizona Coyotes could line-up with Logan Cooley signed
- Report: Logan Cooley could be closer to signing Arizona Coyotes ELC
- Arizona Coyotes sign Matias Maccelli to three-year deal
- Ivan Prosvetov signs one-year deal with Arizona Coyotes
- Arizona Coyotes cut Galchenyuk after reported police incident
Doan led the NHL with five goals in three games to power the Coyotes (18-16-4, 40 points) to three of a possible six standings points. He opened the week with his second career hat trick – and first since Jan. 7, 2012 vs. NYI – in a 7-5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks Dec. 29. Doan then scored twice in a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 31. In doing so, Doan – who has spent his entire NHL career with the Coyotes/ Jets – moved past Dale Hawerchuk (379) and into sole possession of first place for the most goals in franchise history (381). He finished the week without a point in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Edmonton Oilers Jan. 2. The 39-year-old Halkirk, Alta., native paces the Coyotes with 13 goals in 29 games this season (13-6—19) and also leads the club with six power-play goals.
Seeing the look on Max Domi‘s face after he delivered the assist that resulted in the record breaking goal, along with the emphatic embrace Doan shared with Oliver Ekman-Larsson next to the bench, it’s hard to quantify just how much the captain means to the Coyotes. That he’s scoring goals to boot is almost icing on the cake.
More from Coyotes News
- How the Arizona Coyotes could line-up with Logan Cooley signed
- Report: Logan Cooley could be closer to signing Arizona Coyotes ELC
- Arizona Coyotes sign Matias Maccelli to three-year deal
- Ivan Prosvetov signs one-year deal with Arizona Coyotes
- Arizona Coyotes cut Galchenyuk after reported police incident
The Arizona Coyotes endured a horrible road trip without their leader in early December. They were outscored 24-10 on the trip, gave up four or more goals in each game, and managed more than two goals of their own just once. His presence was sorely missed.
That makes things even more interesting when you consider that last season was considered a down year for Doan (14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points). A year later and a year older he’s sitting on 13 goals and 19 points through just 29 games.
When has 14 goals and 22 assists for a 38 year old winger ever been below expectation? When that winger is Shane Doan.
Before the season, he talked to AZCentral’s Sarah McLellan about the potential for retirement.
Next: Arizona Coyotes: Games 39 Thru 41 Predictions
“I think I’m playing,” he said. “At the same time, I mean if I’m terrible, I don’t want to be a nuisance to anybody. But if I can show I can play, then I want to be playing.”
It feels like it’s a pretty safe bet that he’ll be suiting up for the Arizona Coyotes next season. And based on the early returns, fans should be thrilled.
Not that they wouldn’t be regardless.