SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Greg Isaachttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2011-10-01T21:41:05-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/greg-isaac/rss2011-10-01T21:41:05-07:002011-10-01T21:41:05-07:00Coyotes End The Preseason On A High Note, Defeating The San Jose Sharks 3-1
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes">Phoenix Coyotes</a> completed the preseason on a positive note, defeating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">San Jose Sharks</a> 3-1 on Saturday night at Jobing.com Arena.</p>
<p>The game was scoreless after the first period. Coyotes goaltender <span>Mike Smith</span> was up to the task in the opening period stopping all nine shots he faced. Smith had to be sharp from the get go, as Sharks forward <span>Torrey Mitchell</span> had two opportunities from point blank range, within the first minute of play. Sharks net-minder <span>Thomas Greiss</span> was also perfect in the first, stopping all ten shots he faced.</p>
<p>Coyotes center <span>Martin Hanzal</span> opened the scoring 30 seconds into period number two. Hanzal slapped home a rebound from just above the slot, beating Greiss. <span>Ray Whitney</span> and <span>Radim Vrbata</span> picked up the assists on Hanzal's first goal of the preseason.</p>
<p>The Coyotes would strike again nearly 7 minutes later on a goal by <span>Lauri Korpikoski</span>. Korpikoski re-directed a shot sent towards the net by Patrick O'Sullivan, to pick up his first goal of the preseason. <span>Keith Yandle</span> also picked up an assist on the goal.</p>
<p>Just over 3 minutes after Korpikoski's goal, <span>Taylor Pyatt</span> would make it 3-0 Coyotes. Pyatt scored his first of the preseason by beating Greiss on a wrap around attempt. Hanzal and Vrbata picked up the helpers on the goal.</p>
<p>The Sharks would get on the board just over 7 minutes into the third and final period. <span>Marc-Edouard Vlasic</span> sent a floater towards the net, that appeared to deflect off a Coyote and change directions to beat Smith. The goal was unassisted and Vlasic's first of the preseason.</p>
<p>The Coyotes kick off the regular season Saturday, October 8th, as they take on these same Sharks in San Jose.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/10/1/2463144/coyotes-end-the-preseason-on-a-high-note-defeating-the-san-joseGreg Isaac2011-10-01T13:38:13-07:002011-10-01T13:38:13-07:00Coyotes Hosting The San Jose Sharks To Conclude Their Preseason Schedule
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Coyotes</a> host the <a href="https://www.fearthefin.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Sharks</a> Saturday night at Jobing.com Arena at 7 p.m. in what is the Coyotes preseason finale.</p>
<p>Saturday night's game will also be the last time the Coyotes are on home ice until their regular season home opener on October 15th. You can find the Coyotes' complete roster for Saturday night's tilt <a target="new" href="http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/preview.htm?id=2011010098&navid=DL%7CPHX%7Chome">here</a>.</p>
<p>It's true wins and losses don't matter in preseason play. For players on the bubble like Patrick O'Sullivan, though, this is one last shot to show the coaching and management staff that they belong on the big club to start the regular season.</p>
<p>This game will also be huge for Coyotes goaltender <span>Mike Smith</span>. It is extremely important for Smith to get off to a great start this season. Concluding the preseason on a positive note would be huge for Smith and is something he can hopefully carry over with him into the regular season opener on October 8th against these same San Jose Sharks in San Jose. He has the tools and ability to be a solid goaltender, but his consistency needs to improve greatly.</p>
<p><b>For more Coyotes talk, visit <a href="http://www.fiveforhowling.com" target="_blank">Five for Howling</a> blog.</b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/10/1/2462490/coyotes-hosting-the-san-jose-sharks-to-conclude-there-preseasonGreg Isaac2011-09-21T23:33:09-07:002011-09-21T23:33:09-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Split Wins With The Los Angeles Kings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes">Phoenix Coyotes</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a> each earned a victory Wednesday night in there preseason split-squad games, as the Kings downed the Coyotes 3-2 in Phoenix and the Coyotes were victorious in Los Angeles defeating the Kings 2-1 in a shootout.</p>
<p>At Jobing.com Arena the Kings got off to a quick start on an early first period tally from newcomer <span>Ethan Moreau</span>. Moreau beat Coyotes goaltender <span>Mike Smith</span> off a rebound in close. The Coyotes bounced back later in the period on a goal from star defenseman <span>Keith Yandle</span>. On the rush heading into the Kings zone, Yandle drove to the net through the slot and redirected a nice feed from <span>Lauri Korpikoski</span> to beat Kings goaltender <span>Jonathan Bernier</span>.</p>
<p>The score would remain even at 1-1, until midway through the third period when Coyotes Captain <span>Shane Doan</span> ripped a shot from near the slot beating Kings goaltender <span>Jeff Zatkoff</span>. By this point the game had opened up a bit and a little under 4 minutes later the Kings tied the score at 2 on a power play goal by youngster <span>Tyler Toffoli</span>. The Kings weren't done as with just under 1 minute remaining in the third period, left wing <span>Dustin Penner</span> scored the game winning goal for Los Angeles beating Coyotes goaltender <span>Jason LaBarbera</span>.</p>
<p>Kings center <span>Trevor Lewis</span> led the way offensively as he recorded 3 points (all assists) and right wing Tyler Toffoli was also a multi-point producer with an assist to go along with his third period power play goal.</p>
<p>The other half of the split-squad played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Wednesday night. This game was also a close one as the Coyotes won in a shootout on a goal by young defenseman <span>Oliver Ekman-Larsson</span>. Goaltenders <span>Justin Pogge</span> and <span>Louis Domingue</span> combined to stop 39 of 40 shots for the Coyotes.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/21/2441817/phoenix-coyotes-split-wins-with-the-los-angeles-kingsGreg Isaac2011-09-21T11:35:21-07:002011-09-21T11:35:21-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Make Preseason Home Debut Wednesday Night
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Coyotes</a> will host the <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Kings</a> Wednesday night at Jobing.com Arena as part of a split squad exhibition game between the two clubs. Half of the Coyotes and Kings will be in Phoenix Wednesday night for the 7 p.m. game, while the other half of each team will be in Los Angeles for a 7:30 p.m. tilt at Staples Center.</p>
<p>The Coyotes are coming off a 7-4 victory in there first preseason game Tuesday night over the <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a>. Rookie <span>Andy Miele</span> and newcomer Patrick O'Sullivan led the way offensively for the Coyotes. With center <span>Kyle Turris</span> still without a contract, both Miele and O'Sullivan aren't just battling for a roster spot, but now perhaps for a chance to move into Turris' spot on one of the top two lines.</p>
<p>Wednesday nights game at Jobing.com Arena should feature many of the veteran Coyotes like Captain <span>Shane Doan</span> and star defenseman <span>Keith Yandle</span>. In addition, newcomers like gritty winger <span>Raffi Torres</span> and goaltender <span>Mike Smith</span> are also expected to suit up.</p>
<p>For Los Angeles star center <span>Anze Kopitar</span> and linemates <span>Dustin Penner</span> and <span>Justin Williams</span> will be in Phoenix. <span>Jonathan Bernier</span> will get the start in net for Los Angeles and is scheduled to play the first 2 periods.</p>
<p>Neither game Wednesday night will be televised, but please visit <a href="http://coyotes.nhl.com/" target="new">PhoenixCoyotes.com</a> for more information on radio coverage for tonight's game at Jobing.com Arena if you are unable to attend the game.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/21/2440492/phoenix-coyotes-make-preseason-home-debut-wednesday-nightGreg Isaac2011-09-19T08:00:29-07:002011-09-19T08:00:29-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Preseason Action Begins Tuesday Night
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Coyotes</a> are set to kick off there preseason schedule Tuesday night as they head west to battle the <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a>.</p>
<p>While training camp has been going on the past couple days, the exhibition games are crucial for players to get back into game shape, as well as for players on the bubble of making the club to show the coaching and management staff what they are made of. A few players to keep an eye out for are center <span>Andy Miele</span>, left wing <span>Viktor Tikhonov</span> and right wing <span>Brett MacLean</span>.</p>
<p>With center <span>Kyle Turris</span> currently without a contract and it appears this could linger quite a bit longer, Miele will have every opportunity to show he is NHL ready for a center role on one of the top two lines.</p>
<p>Tikhonov played 61 games for the Coyotes in 2008-09, but since then the 2008 first round pick has played in both the KHL and AHL. He is ready to show the coaching staff that he can play full time on the big club, most likely in a bottom six role.</p>
<p>MacLean, like Tikhonov has had some NHL experience as last season he got into 13 games for the Coyotes. A 2007 second round pick, MacLean is known for his goal scoring abilities, which will be needed on the big club. Expect MacLean to get a long look at a possible role among the Coyotes top six forwards.</p>
<p>For more on the Coyotes remaining training camp and preseason schedule/roster, please visit <a target="new" href="http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=588355&navid=DL%7CPHX%7Chome">PhoenixCoyotes.com</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/19/2435184/phoenix-coyotes-preseason-action-begins-tuesday-nightGreg Isaac2011-09-15T17:51:17-07:002011-09-15T17:51:17-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Rookies Trade Wins With The Los Angeles Kings Rookies
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Coyotes</a> and <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Kings</a> rookies each earned a victory during the clubs two exhibition games at The Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, CA.</p>
<p>The Coyotes won the first game on Wednesday night 8-7, after trailing 6-3 heading into the final period of play. Coyotes forward <span>Brett Hextall</span>, son of Los Angeles Kings Assistant General Manager Ron Hextall, led the way with two late goals including the game winner. Last year's Hobey Baker Award winner <span>Andy Miele</span> showed why the organization is extremely high on him as he added a goal and an assist, as well as showed terrific ability with the puck. Speedy forward <span>Evan Bloodoff</span> added two goals including a shorthanded tally in the 2nd period. California born <span>Colin Long</span> added three assists and defenseman <span>Chris Summers</span> also had a multi point game with a pair of helpers.</p>
<p>For Los Angeles, shifty winger <span>Brandon Kozun</span> led the way with a pair of goals and an assist. Gritty center Andy Andreoff also added two goals for the Kings.</p>
<p>Thursday afternoon's game wasn't quite the offensive outburst that the first game was, but it was once again a one goal game as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Phoenix Coyotes 4-3.</p>
<p>Similar to the first game, the Coyotes came back in the third period to erase a deficit. This time trailing 3-1 the Coyotes fought back on goals by <span>Ethan Werek</span> and Brett Hextall. In addition to his goal, Werek also added an assist for two points on the day. The team got into some late penalty trouble and found themselves down two men in the final minutes of regulation. The Kings capitalized as <span>Jordan Nolan</span> put home the game winner with 1:58 remaining in the final period. Nolan also added a goal earlier in the game and Brandon Kozun once again shined for the Kings rookies as he added three assists.</p>
<p>Phoenix Coyotes Chief Operating Officer Mike Nealy will be appearing on Breakthrough Sports this Friday afternoon to talk about the upcoming season. Mike will be on the show at 2:40 pst and it airs locally in Phoenix on 1010am or streaming online <a href="http://breakradioshow.com/" target="new">here</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/15/2428145/phoenix-coyotes-rookies-trade-wins-with-the-los-angeles-kings-rookiesGreg Isaac2011-09-14T11:30:04-07:002011-09-14T11:30:04-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Prospects Head West To Take On The Los Angeles Kings Prospects
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Over the past 5 days the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Coyotes</a> rookies have been running through intense drills and scrimmages. Now they get a chance to take to the ice in game format, as they do battle with the <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Kings</a> rookies Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon at The Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, CA.</p>
<p>Both clubs rookie camp rosters consist of recent draft picks, college/amateur free agent signees as well as young players on tryout looking to break into these organizations. This is a chance for many of these young players to show the coaching and management staffs a little of what they are made of.</p>
<p>For the Phoenix Coyotes, a few of the players fans should keep an eye out for are goaltender <span>Mark Visentin</span>, defenseman <span>Brandon Gormley</span>, center <span>Andy Miele</span> and winger Lucas Lessio. Both Visentin and Gormley were first round picks of the team back in 2010, while Miele signed on with the organization towards the end of last season after having a Hobey Baker winning year in college and Lessio was a second round pick for the club this past June.</p>
<p>Wednesday's game will be at 6 p.m. pst and Thursday's tilt will be at 2 p.m. pst. Both games will be streamed live on <a href="http://coyotes.nhl.com/" target="new">PhoenixCoyotes.com</a>.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/14/2425448/phoenix-coyotes-prospects-head-west-to-take-on-the-los-angeles-kingsGreg Isaac2011-09-10T10:57:10-07:002011-09-10T10:57:10-07:00Will The Coyotes Stay In Phoenix?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Phoenix Coyotes are getting ready for the 2011-12 season. We have all the training camp and preseason news.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/10/2416603/phoenix-coyotes-training-camp-2011-nhl-seasonScott ColemanAvinash KunnathGreg IsaacRandallPnkFloydSeth Pollack2011-09-10T10:54:58-07:002011-09-10T10:54:58-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Rookie Camp Details
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P6ofBQ524D9vVwaMjMr-870A4J4=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828097/large_arizona.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Phoenix Coyotes prospects are set to take the ice at rookie camp.</p> <p>On Saturday afternoon many of the Phoenix Coyote prospects will take to the ice for the start of the 2011 rookie camp. The camp will take place at Jobing.com arena and is free to the public. Fans are asked to enter the arena at Gate 3. For a complete schedule and roster visit the <a target="new" href="http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=587543&navid=DL%7CPHX%7Chome">Phoenix Coyotes official site</a> .</p>
<p>Among the notable prospects at camp will be top goaltending prospect and first round choice in 2010 <span>Mark Visentin</span>, defenseman <span>Brandon Gormley</span>, also a first round choice in 2010 by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes">Phoenix Coyotes</a>. Among the forwards will be 2011 Hobey Baker winner, <span>Andy Miele</span> and 2011 second round pick <span>Lucas Lessio</span>. The clubs 2011 first round pick, <span>Connor Murphy</span> will not be participating at this years camp due to injury. Also of note, recently acquired goaltender <span>Marc Cheverie</span> will be on the ice as well.</p>
<p>The camp will conclude next Wednesday and Thursday, when the Phoenix Coyote rookies travel to Los Angeles for two exhibition games against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Los Angeles Kings</a> rookies. Both of these rookies games will be streamed live on <a target="new" href="http://kings.nhl.com/">LAKings.com</a>.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Coyotes, visit <a href="http://www.fiveforhowling.com/" target="_blank">Five for Howling.</a></b></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/10/2416565/phoenix-coyotes-2011-rookie-camp-saturdayGreg Isaac2011-09-08T14:23:35-07:002011-09-08T14:23:35-07:00Phoenix Coyotes Acquire Goaltender Marc Cheverie
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oApI89QOtjrnBlBqSejJQG9JyBo=/0x186:490x513/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1177515/GYI0061676351.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Phoenix Coyotes acquire goaltender Marc Cheverie from the Florida Panthers in exchange for center prospect Justin Bernhardt.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes">Phoenix Coyotes</a> have acquired former University of Denver goaltender <span>Marc Cheverie</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Florida Panthers</a> in exchange for center <span>Justin Bernhardt</span>.</p>
<p>The 24 year old Cheverie split time last season between the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League(ECHL) and the American Hockey League's(AHL) Rochester Americans. Cheverie had spent the previous three seasons before last with the University of Denver Pioneers, leading the team to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 2008-2010. Cheverie was originally a seventh round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2006.</p>
<p>Justin Bernhardt is a 23 year old center who was originally signed by the Phoenix Coyotes as an unrestricted free agent back in 2009. Bernhardt spent last season with the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL, where he totalled 25 points and 29 PIM in 47 games.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-coyotes/2011/9/8/2413069/phoenix-coyotes-acquire-goaltender-marc-cheverie-florida-panthersGreg Isaac