It has been a couple nice seasons for the Phoenix Coyotes, on the ice at least. While off the ice there has been a great deal uncertainty about the team's future, and there is still a chance they may be on the move, but they've made the playoffs two years in a row, including finishing sixth last season with 99 points and a plus-5 goal differential. Unfortunately, there is a real good chance that run ends.
The main reason the Coyotes were able to go to the playoffs the last two seasons was Ilya Bryzgalov in net. He was great for them, posting save percentages of .920 and .921. He was so good the Philadelphia Flyers gave him a huge contract. Now, Phoenix looks ready to turn the job over to Jason LaBarbera and Mike Smith. If your team doesn't play great defense and score at will, you aren't going to make the postseason with goalies like that.
At least the Coyotes were able to keep Keith Yandle, who has become a great defenseman. They also kept Radim Vrbata, and they signed Raffi Torres. However, they've lost Ed Jovanovski, Vernon Fiddler, Eric Belanger, and Kyle Turris is (somewhat inexplicably) holding out. Overall, Phoenix's roster has clearly gotten worse.
I was glad to see the Coyotes make the playoffs the last two seasons. It was nice for their fans who have dealing with worrying about their team's future. However, I don't see this team having any chance of making the playoffs this season. I'd be less surprised to see them finish 14th then to see them finish 8th. I don't expect them to score much, and without strong goaltending that is a huge issue. Sorry, Phoenix fans. At least you won't be as bad as the Oilers. Probably.
Last team up: Los Angeles Kings
Next team up: San Jose Sharks
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