Games in early to mid-December usually do not hold a barometer to success of an NHL season.
Yet, the Phoenix Coyotes now embark on a journey which could possess the destiny of their season.
Beginning Tuesday night in Edmonton, the Coyotes play eight of their next 10 games on the road. By the time they set up shop for a six-game homestand beginning Dec. 31 with the Edmonton Oilers, their season could very well be defined.
While coach Dave Tippett continuously tells reporters he sees a highly competitive Western Conference for the balance of the season, that observation is all the more reason for a productive road trip.
“The key is not to beat yourself,” Tippett said after practice Monday and just before the Coyotes headed to the airport. “No question, we face challenges. The crowds will be loud, there will be energy in the buildings and the home team gets the last line change.”
On the road, there is a different mindset, and it’s usually more conservative.
“You have to simplify your game,” said defenseman Derek Morris. “It’s real important to keep the puck in their end, and the more time ...
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Article written by Mark Brown
Phoenix Coyotes’ Goals for the Upcoming Stretch of Road Games
December 2nd, 2013 by Mark Brown Leave a reply »
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