Phoenix - Great Start by Yotes

by Official Phoenix Correspondent JL Kangas


The Phoenix Coyotes (9-3-2) are off to the second best start to the season since the 2000-01 campaign when the team went 9-1-4-0 (22 points). The Coyotes have totaled the second-highest point total (20) in the first 14 games of a season in franchise history. The Coyotes have also tied a franchise record with nine (9) wins in October (2009-10 and 2000-01) and the Coyotes are one of four remaining teams (Anaheim, New Jersey and San Jose) that are unbeaten (6-0-1) in regulation at home. The Coyotes have not lost in regulation at home in seven (7) games, which surpasses the longest home unbeaten streak to start the season by the team previously set in 2000-01. The Coyotes did not lose at home in regulation in their first six (6) home games that season but lost in their seventh game.

HIGHLY OFFENSIVE DEFENSE
The Coyotes continue to receive significant offensive contributions from their blueline. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Keith Yandle are tied for first in scoring among NHL defensemen with 3-8-11 and 1-10-11, respectively. Derek Morris has posted 4-5-9, which ranks tied for third. His four (4) goals are also tied for the NHL lead in goals by a defenseman. Coyotes defensemen have combined for a league-leading 12 goals and 40 points this season.

POTENT OFFENSE
After 14 games, the Coyotes have scored 48 goals which ranks tied for second in the NHL (Toronto – 48) and only 3 behind League leader San Jose (51).

THE TIPP-ING POINT
With the Coyotes 5-4 win over Nashville last night, Coyotes Head Coach Dave Tippett has tied Bob Francis for the most wins all-time by a head coach in franchise history with 165. Tippett’s overall record of 165-99-44 (374 points) in 308 regular season games with Phoenix is the highest points percentage (.607) of any head coach in franchise history.

HEAD COACH FRANCHISE WINS
1. Bob Francis: 165-144-60-21 (390 games)
2. Dave Tippett: 165-99-44 (308 games)
3. Wayne Gretzky: 143-161-24 (328 games)

HEAD COACHING WINS SINCE 2002-03 SEASON
1. Mike Babcock, ANA-DET: 452
2. Dave Tippett, DAL-PHX: 436
3. Joel Quenneville, STL-COL-CHI: 431
4. Barry Trotz, NSH: 407
5. Lindy Ruff (BUF-DAL): 387
(Active Head Coaches)

LATE GAME HEROICS
The Coyotes lead the NHL in second period goals (21) and third period goals (21) through 14 games this season. The Coyotes have outscored opponents 21-13 in the second frame and 21-12 in the final period.