BT's 2008/09 NHL Season Preview: The Phoenix Coyotes

Preface: I know we've all been waiting for September forever, but now that it's here, I can't stand it.

I'm way too busy. I think I have three articles due to day, which could possible be as high as five at the end of the day. Needless to say, I'm tired and I need a nap.

And no, I'm not resorting to posting at 1am in the morning, but I'm getting pretty close to being nocturnal.

Anyhow, I'm done with that for know. I guess I'm just a wuss.

The Phoenix Coyotes were never "we're going to challenge for the Cup" good.

They were "we're going to sneak into the first round" good, but they've always been ousted once they made it to the playoffs, losing two series in five games, one series in six games, and two in seven.

The day may be arriving though, that the Phoenix Coyotes may actually see second round hockey.

Roster Additions

Oli Jokinen-F (Trade), David Hale-D (F.A.), Brian McGratton-F (Trade), Kurt Sauer-D (F.A.), Todd Fedoruk-F (F.A.)

Roster Subtractions

Keith Ballard-D (Trade), Nick Boynton-D (Trade),  David Aebischer-G (F.A.), Mike York-F (F.A.), Pavel Brendl-F (F.A.), Niko Kapanen-F (Europe), Radim Vrbata-F (F.A.), Marcel Hossa-F (F.A.)

How did 2007/08 go?

38-37-7, 83 points, 12th in Conference, fourth in Pacific division

2008/09 Goal

Top ten in Conference, make the playoffs.

Let's break'er down...

Now throughout this series, I've tried to say something inspirational about the team, or a little speech about how they "aren't all bad" if they've been terrible in recent memory, or how "dominance is enviable" if they're good.

I just miss the Winnipeg Jets. Leave the 'Yotes in Phoenix because I kind of like them there, but I miss the Jets. These are things that I think you should know (It's been FOREVER since I've used that line....I missed it....look for it to make a comeback!).

Feel that Bryz(galov) blowing between your ears?

I almost went with legs instead of ears, as a goalie joke. Then I thought about the children who read this column. Then my girlfriend called and said "kids don't read your column but maybe one day they will". I don't know what prompted her to call and say that but she did.

Now I'm worried.

Anyways, as some always thought, Ilya Bryzgalov is a good goalie, maybe even a great goalie, who was able to prove coming out of Anaheim, that he could handle the load once he left J.S. Giguere's shadow. Overcoming a slow start (2-3, 2.55 GAA, .909 save percentage with Anaheim), Bryzgalov won 26 games for the Coyotes, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 GAA.

He's never had a season below .500, and he's only ever posted a GAA over 2.50 in the NHL once (2005 with a 2.51) and with an improving Coyotes team, Bryzgalov could be good for 30 wins, and a surprise Vezina candidate.

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