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Only a handful of games left, a bit of a stumple in the last week, and giving up 5 goals in regulation to the ugh, (insert vomiting sound here) Kings last night, we Coyotes fans probably won't be seeing the return of the white out. But, this was a good season and the team made a lot of progress. Here are some of my highlights from the season.
From Russia with Love: Ilya Bryzgalov has come to mind the net, and finally the Coyotes have a bonafide #1 goalie. I am still amazed that the Coyotes got him, but he was, without a doubt, the turning point for the season.
The Kids are all right: Peter Mueller really had a great rookie year, and while he may not get it, he could be in consideration for the Calder. Martin Hanzal had a very respectable season as well and appears that he will be filling a more supporting role on the team. When he learns to use his size he will be a big challenge for opponents. Daniel Carcillo is proving to be a great power forward and has learned to control himself more in the last few months. Maybe sometime off for injuries and a brief stint in San Antonio cooled him off. I'm looking forward to when we finally get to see Turris, Porter, and Wheeler suit up for the Yotes.
The Great One Coacheth: Wayne Gretzky seemed to find his nitch this year for coaching. Many people, including myself, were questionning whether or not he should be behind the bench. Now, five months later, had the Coyotes made the playoffs he would have been a legitimate choice for the Jack Adams award.
A sniper in our midst? Radim Vrbata has not done much the last few weeks, but at times he was unstoppable this season, and he may or may not reach 30 goals, but at 27 he is knocking on the door. And Shane Doan is already at his career high in points and has 26 goals. While 30 goals is not by any means an exceptional season, the Coyotes have only had a handful of 30 goal scorers in the new millenium so I consider it progress.
And the last highlight, beating the crap out of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada. Not to mention the Coyotes excellent record within the division, arguably the toughest in hockey.
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