Congratulations to the Phoenix Coyotes

[edicius 3,269]

Don't like Doan and Jovo plays a cowardly game, but otherwise, I bear no ill will toward the Coyotes. True, it was a sweep for us, but the Coyotes made it interesting, especially in Games 2 and 4 (until the last ten minutes of the latter, of course). Skilled team and if they can keep this roster together - with a few tweaks here and there - they'll see some success, whether it's in Glendale or Winnipeg. Bryz is a better tender than this series showed - remember, the Coyotes picked him up from the Ducks for nothing on waivers and at the time, it was a huge coup. He'll be fine. So will the team.

To the fans in Arizona - if the worst happens and they do leave? Follow them. Not literally, of course - can't just pick up and move. But retain your fanhood and root for them whether they're in Winnipeg, Quebec, Kansas City or whatnot. If they're truly your team, it won't matter where they play.

[legaleaglewingsfan 75]

But for some fluke bounces that game woulda went to OT where we all know anything could happen. I am glad that the Wings won it quick, but I hope that the true fans of PHX get to have a team to watch and cheer for. Kudos Yotes, and LGW

[Holmstrom96 347]

Doan 's tears brought warmth to my heart and a smile to my face

Not to sound all wussy, but it made me feel good to see that this guy really cared about Phoenix.

[Lovin Jiri Fischer 147]

I really bad for the fans in Arizona if they do move. But think of all the new and old fans in Winnipeg that are gonna be so happy to have a hockey team. I'm really happy for them. And maybe some of the players would be sad to leave Arizona, but I wonder how many of them would be happy to be in Winnipeg where they would seem to have more appreciation and an arena filled all the time for them.

[achildr1 255]

What a series! Or what domination by the Wings!

I'm so glad the Wings turned on the game we know they can play and were consistant in it.

My observations...

From Detroit

Darren Helm - He has flipped a switch. I love this guy and always have since he first came up. I have very high expectations for him, but in this series, he surpassed them before I thought he would (at his age). Helm isn't a big guy but he hit Jovanoski and Yandle so hard you'd of thought he was Scott Stevens with speed. Some of his biggest hits led directly to goals and made him look dominating physically and offensively. If Datsyuk hadn't of dangled 80% of the Coyotes on any given play, Helm would be MVP of the series.

Pavel Datsyuk - Dominating. Stepped his game up to legendary heights. Who can contain him, honestly? When he's this good he needs to be triple teamed.

Jimmy Howard - I didn't feel the shakiness. He looked confidant and more than solid. If he plays like that, we'll probably go far.

Wings - Fantastic effort. We outworked a supossed hardworking team. And to think Zetterberg missed the whole series!

From Pheonix

Shane Doan - The best Coyote, easily. He's Brendan Shanahan lite, mixed with the hateability of Sean Avery. Almost every note worthy play involved Doan on some level.

Schlemko - Cinderella story. Free agent, undrafted, started ino Pheonix...in the CHL. Noticed him quite a bit. Had a nice goal.

Kyle Turris - This kid is getting strong on the puck and looks like he has a chance to be a real good player.

Ilya Bryzgalov - I think he's one of the biggest reasons Pheonix got ran over. I really felt like his body language screamed that he wasn't giving it his all. On the Franzen breakaway goal, you could barely tell the difference between him and a wide open goal. He played the shot like he knew Franzen was going to score. Confidance-less. I doubt he resigns with them.

Whitney, Aucoin (LOL, apparently autotext on my phone turns Aucoin to 'sucking'), Stempniak, and Hanzel were near invisible.

[WizardOfOz30 1,886]

I think it was great the way the fans showed their appreciation as well as the team for the fans at the end. It's got to be hard for the team and fans not knowing the fate of the team, so if they do stay I hope there is a lot more attendance to support them next year. Good job Coyotes, hope they can be successful wherever they end up.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Darren Helm - He has flipped a switch. I love this guy and always have since he first came up. I have very high expectations for him, but in this series, he surpassed them before I thought he would (at his age). Helm isn't a big guy but he hit Jovanoski and Yandle so hard you'd of thought he was Scott Stevens with speed. Some of his biggest hits led directly to goals and made him look dominating physically and offensively. If Datsyuk hadn't of dangled 80% of the Coyotes on any given play, Helm would be MVP of the series.

To be fair, Helm's switch has been flipped for quite some time now. I am just a true "hater" of the "flipping the switch" thing. Helm had some fire in him this series and he let his play do the talking. Absolutely, positively has become one of my favorite players on this team. He carries himself the right way for the organization and I truly see him just elevating to heights we may not have thought he could get to. Jovanovski was completely messed up since the shoulder and tried to outmuscle or yap his jaw for no inherent reason other than proving that Helm was just outright better than most of his guys.

Just my 2 cents, great series boys and yes, flawless is close aside from some dumb penalties. Keep rollin' boys!

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Good job HT.

[Smite 399]

Much respect for Doan and his passion, reminds me of a captain we use to know till a great coach set him straight. I can't stand how they even ask these guys to do an interview right after.

I thought Hanzell was immature to throw his stick at Eves on the empty net. but I won't judge the whole team on one player..

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

You know if they do move it will be a little sad and seeing Doan like that really hit me too. Just think if the Wings moved from Detroit.. Even though I was one who gave some of there fans s***, got to still feel sorry for them. Who knows, maybe there will be another team out in Phoenix because I am all for one.

[Guest L3T5G0W1NG5]

LOL, are you guys serious? Just because we beat them and they may move doesn't mean we should give them any sort of respect and certainly any credit (credit for what?!?). What did they do that's so great? 6th in the West (big deal), swept first round, have never won a playoff series. If this was any other team we wouldn't even think twice.

Bye bye Phoenix; there should never have been a hockey team in that city to begin with.

That's my opinion, come at me bro.

Edited April 21, 2011 by L3T5G0W1NG5

[j.hoop 64]

i dont see how they played their heart out, or showed anything that deserved a spot in the playoffs. they lost 4 straight games, and could hardly capitalize outside of man-advantage situations, including an 0-7 showing in game 1. they didnt show up for any games in my opinion, and outside of being physical displayed nothing that seperates them from the bottom feeder teams that didn't make the cut.

[Guest L3T5G0W1NG5]

i dont see how they played their heart out, or showed anything that deserved a spot in the playoffs. they lost 4 straight games, and could hardly capitalize outside of man-advantage situations, including an 0-7 showing in game 1. they didnt show up for any games in my opinion, and outside of being physical displayed nothing that seperates them from the bottom feeder teams that didn't make the cut.

Exactly. People on this forum seem to want to suck up for some reason. Give me a break.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Don't like Doan and Jovo plays a cowardly game, but otherwise, I bear no ill will toward the Coyotes. True, it was a sweep for us, but the Coyotes made it interesting, especially in Games 2 and 4 (until the last ten minutes of the latter, of course). Skilled team and if they can keep this roster together - with a few tweaks here and there - they'll see some success, whether it's in Glendale or Winnipeg. Bryz is a better tender than this series showed - remember, the Coyotes picked him up from the Ducks for nothing on waivers and at the time, it was a huge coup. He'll be fine. So will the team.

To the fans in Arizona - if the worst happens and they do leave? Follow them. Not literally, of course - can't just pick up and move. But retain your fanhood and root for them whether they're in Winnipeg, Quebec, Kansas City or whatnot. If they're truly your team, it won't matter where they play.

Good post.

[Dimaline312000 51]

The Yotes were a team I honeslty didn't want the Wings to have to play again. They are a grea team and a very tough first round opponent. I really didn't expect a sweep not after thinkg about last season. Congrats to Phoenix on being a great hockey city and for a great season.

[VM1138 1,921]

Phoenix is sort of like Nashville now, always doing a bit better than they really have any right to. I know it's sad that they'll have to move to Winnipeg, but it'll work out for them. They've put together a good team, now imagine playing in front of a cheering crowd every night!

[Frozen-Man 144]

Well played season and playoffs to the Yotes. :clap:

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Phoenix is sort of like Nashville now, always doing a bit better than they really have any right to. I know it's sad that they'll have to move to Winnipeg, but it'll work out for them. They've put together a good team, now imagine playing in front of a cheering crowd every night!

Seemed to work for the Hawks.

kinda

Edited April 21, 2011 by HankthaTank

[Wings_Fan_in_KC 3]

The Yotes, Tippett and their fans can all SUCK IT.

There's no crying in Hockey, Douchebag Doan.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Nothing against Hank, or Dats, but IMHO both are approaching the back-half of their careers (Hank more so), and I'm of the opinion that Helm has many of the attributes that embody what the Detroit Red Wings, the Ilitch family, Holland, Devellano, Yzerman, Lidstrom, etc, etc are all about.

Honestly I don't think it'll happen due to loyalty; I'm thinking either Hank, or Dats will wear the "C" once Lids retires...Just some some food for thought...Any opinions?

I have felt for quite some time now that it will be Hank (go figure) to don the "C" that fateful day once Nick hangs them up. But yes, he isn't getting younger and neither is Pash. Helm would be a great choice for an "A" here pretty soon but I do believe that we need to take Kronner into consideration too. This was in the freep today actually about Kronner just stepping up in the room and being more vocal. Helm would be the more quiet, cool leader but we also don't know what he carries in that room. To me his play and all out effort like every shift is his last is what separates into a very elite group. I don't want people to kill me for this but as far as effort is in the league, Helm is in the top 10. The excitement as I have presented in other posts doesn't exactly accent the type of guy we have here.

What a great problem to have

[nate94gt 134]

I really feel for the coyotes players/coaches/trainers/etc.

What a terrible last couple of seasons w/ the whole moving debacle. To play through all that, let alone get to the playoffs, take the wings to 7 games one year, only to get swept the next while the moving thing REALLY gets into full swing. It had to be a very very hard season, and winning was one way to keep their mind off of it, if thats even possible.

So my hats off to the players for battling through all that bulls*** and being professionals. even doan. I hate to play against that guy, but what a good hard working, determined, gritty player. Great teammate on the ice for sure.

but for jovo, he can f*** himself.

do you know how s***ty it would be to be playing a winter sport in ******* phoenix? You wear shorts and sandals to practices and games, love the weather, its beautful.... you are like "f*** yeah, this is awesome!" Sign a nice contract extension...... then find out that you're moving to an ice box (potentially). What a kick in the balls.

[55fan 5,133]

Nice to see that the Red Wings have douchey fans like any other team. It makes us oh, so much more human.

Do you kids not understand the concept of "sportsmanship"? It means not kicking someone when they're down. Sure, you can have an opinion against the Yotes, but that's what the other threads on the board are for.

This is about winning with respect and dignity, which our team commanded throughout the series, and we are now extending to our erstwhile adversaries.

Embarrassing that some kids nowadays have been taught no manners, dignity, grace, or class.

[Krystal 41]

I really feel for the coyotes players/coaches/trainers/etc.

What a terrible last couple of seasons w/ the whole moving debacle. To play through all that, let alone get to the playoffs, take the wings to 7 games one year, only to get swept the next while the moving thing REALLY gets into full swing. It had to be a very very hard season, and winning was one way to keep their mind off of it, if thats even possible.

So my hats off to the players for battling through all that bulls*** and being professionals. even doan. I hate to play against that guy, but what a good hard working, determined, gritty player. Great teammate on the ice for sure.

but for jovo, he can f*** himself.

do you know how s***ty it would be to be playing a winter sport in ******* phoenix? You wear shorts and sandals to practices and games, love the weather, its beautful.... you are like "f*** yeah, this is awesome!" Sign a nice contract extension...... then find out that you're moving to an ice box (potentially). What a kick in the balls.

I came on to say something akin to this myself. The situation in Phoenix is one that I think we all kinda take for granted. Detroit has a phenomenal ownership situation and I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it had to have been with the players trying to focus on the game when the state of the entire franchise was and is still in question.

Despite that, they still pushed to make the playoffs and even if people disagree that they were working hard in the series - they never rolled over and let us walk all over them. Much respect for fighting both the adversity against a team like Detroit AND the management.

[Jersey Wing 1,521]

I may be one of the few people who can empathize completely with the Phoenix Coyote fans. You see, I'm a Cleveland Browns fan. Don't ask how it happened growing up in Ortonville Michigan, it just did. Now there are obvious differences. The Browns were drawing 75,000 people at LEAST a game. Attendance/apathy wasn't the issue, it was the owner signing a horrible deal he refused to honor. He thought it was the best thing since sliced bread until he got a few years into it and the economics changed. Secondly the Browns move was rather sudden whereas the Coyotes have been rumored somewhere for a long time.

Still, I remember how it hurt. I felt gutshot. Just AWFUL. A very good friend of mine who was a producer for NBC got me tickets to the Sunday game previous to the announcement. Good seats at the Silverdome for the Lions and Browns (Barry ran wild against my Brownies if you're wondering). Our NBC seat entrance was where the bigwigs came in. I literally bumped into Art Modell on our way down the tunnel. We both excused ourselves but I was like WHOA, the owner of my team. It wasn't three days later that son-of-a-***** announced the move. Ohhhhhhhhh if I'd known then what I know now, but I digress.

The remaining team that moved won the Super Bowl in Baltimore like 4 years later with a few of those old Browns which just made it all the worse.

I know there are quite a few real die hard Coyote fans. I know they're not in the numbers of Wings fans or Canadiens fans or even Devils fans but they love their team. They can't wait to watch them just like we can't wait to watch the Wings. They love a Saturday night game while tipping a cold beer. They love wearing the team sweater and think Shane Doan is the greatest captain ever.

It was made fairly apparent after Modell kicked the Browns fan base and the city of Cleveland in the family jewels that during the next NFL expansion the Browns were coming back in under new ownership. They fought in court and kept the old colors and team records and won them as part of a concession finally allowing Modell to pack the team. That's not going to happen for Phoenix. They're not in line to probably ever get an NHL team again. And for that I feel really bad for Coyotes fans.

No, you don't just keep cheering for the old team. Emotionally it's just not that easy. I can be a pretty arrogant Wings fan and love to horse around in jest with the Photoshop thread but I do feel for them. Maybe the U of A or ASU could start a college hockey program, it'd be something.

Edited April 21, 2011 by Jersey Wing

[Barrie 900]

Seeing the fans in tears, my first thought was, "If the team means that much to you, where were you the last 15 years?"

Edit: That sounds mean, but great season Coyotes.

I think being in Glendale was their undoing. I have no idea why they got out of downtown and didn't share an arena with the Suns.

Now Glendale will have an empty arena.

Edited April 21, 2011 by Barrie