Phoenix Coyotes Howling on Confidence

“Confidence is what it’s all about,” said Lauri Korporkski after the Coyotes dismantled the Dallas Stars, 5-2.

After losing a combined 1-6 over the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames in the last two games, the Coyotes returned to Phoenix with unfinished business. After being criticized for not scoring against the Oilers and the Flames the Coyotes had Marco Turco’s number on speed dial

The Coyotes couldn’t get enough of seeing Turco during the second period. They scored three straight goals on Turco, causing him to be pulled midway through the second period.

When healthy the Coyotes are a confident team that can put the puck in the net. Lauri Korpikoski, who the Coyotes acquired from the New York Rangers in exchange for Enver Lisin back in July, had a career game against the Stars. Korpokoski had his first career two-goal game and was credited with an assist after Zbynek Michaelek put the nail in the coffin against the Stars.

Despite giving up the next two goals, the Coyotes were on cruise control for the rest of the game despite losing Ed Jovanovski. They have unfortunately dealt with playing without their assistant captain. Jovanovski appeared to have sustained a lower body injury during the second period, the same injury which caused him to miss eight games this month.

Following the loss of Jovanovski, the Coyotes have turned to Keith Yandle, who has emerged as key offensive threat for the Coyotes. Yandle has four goals and seven assists on the season while Phoenix continues to put up a good fight in the Western Conference.

Perhaps former Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes is wrong when he said that the NHL could never succeed in Arizona. One thing we learned this week is that the Coyotes obviously can’t win in Canada after losing to both Edmonton and Calgary.

Instead, the Coyotes look to cement their status in Phoenix as they continue to push their way into the playoff hunt in a season which the Coyotes have howled their way through against all odds.