2006 Phoenix Coyotes Preview

2006 Phoenix Coyotes Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Season Preview

It was a bad year for the Coyotes last season with Associate Coach Rick Tocchet and coach Wayne Gretzky’s wife caught in an illegal Jersey gambling ring. Gretzky’s first year behind the bench resulted in a 38-39-5 record, 81 points and a 12th-place conference finish for Phoenix. Gretzky has committed to 5 years behind the bench. By that time, the Coyotes could be competitive.

The offense, which was rated 19th in 2005-06, doesn’t look much better this year. There’s not enough depth or high enough level of talent to make this team a scoring threat. Last season captain Shane Doan (30 G, 36 A, 66 Pts) led the team in points, while Mike Comrie (30 G, 30 A, 60 Pts) finished second. Jeremy Roenick is back for another year but doesn’t have the punch he used to possess. With the bulk of the offense made up of minor league, college and low scoring vets, don’t look for much to change.

Last year’s best squad was the defense, which included sound two-way man Keith Ballard (8 G, 31 A, 39 Pts) and the versatile Derek Morris (6 G, 21 A, 27 Pts). Skilled former All-Star Nick Boyton (5 G, 7 A, 12 Pts in 54 games) has been added, as has Ed Javanovski (8 G, 25 A, 33 Pts). Javanovski is capable of providing additional offense while upgrading an already fine defense.

Thirty-nine year old goalie Curtis Joseph (60 GP, 32 W, 21 L, 3 OT, 2.91 GAA, .902 SP) brings a well-conditioned frame, excellent skills and 428 wins to the Coyote ice. But he’ll need a capable backup. Mike Morrison, (25 GP, 11 W, 4 L, 3 OT, 2.95 GAA, .882 SP) free agent signing from the Senators, looks like a good candidate.

Although the offense still has its problems, the addition of Joseph, signings of quality defensive players and Wayne Gretzky behind the bench may get the Coyotes into the second season.

For more information on the 2006 Phoenix Hockey Club check out the Coyotes team website.