Ponds and Pucks

Phoenix Coyotes

Notable moves and changes: Signed G Alex Auld (had been with the Florida Panthers), acquired C Kevyn Adams from the Chicago Blackhawks for F Radim Vrbata, signed G David Aebischer (had been with the Montreal Canadiens).
Starting goalie: Likely Aebischer, barring a stunning performance by Auld.
Summary of last year: The Coyotes had the dubious honor of having the worst record in the league for the second half of the season (yes, even worse than the Flyers). The Coyotes haven’t seen a hint of the playoffs in 4 years.
Prediction for this year: Do you call for the head of your head coach if he’s part owner of the team? How about if he’s Wayne Gretzky? The woes of this team are not entirely Gretzky’s fault, but this team is in a death spiral and help does not appear to be on the way. Both goalies signed in the off-season have a lot to prove, and on most teams wouldn’t be considered starters. New additions Mike York and Kevyn Adams need to step up their games considerably to make a difference, the young guys like Bill Thomas and Tomas Surovy need to continue to grow and contribute while veterans like Shane Doan and Steven Reinprecht need to return to form. The Coyotes didn’t even address their defensive woes — top d-man Ed Jovanovski played only 54 games last season and Nick Boyton and Derek Morris did not step up to fill in the gap. Not only are the playoffs unlikely, the Coyotes will struggle to fight their way out of the basement of the Pacific Division.

Phoenix Coyotes, Alex Auld, Florida Panthers, Kevyn Adams, Chicago Blackhawks, Radim Vrbata, David Aebischer, Montreal Canadiens, Wayne Gretzky, Mike York, Bill Thomas, Tomas Surovy, Shane Doan, Steven Reinprecht, Ed Jovanovski, Nick Boyton, Derek Morris, Pacific Division

Mike Ricci announced his retirement at a charity golf tournament yesterday, capping a 16 year career.

I have a lot of respect for the guy to know when it’s too crazy to continue. I’m sure he did everything in his power to get back into the ice, but when you’re talking neck injuries, and have a family to consider, you have to know when to say enough. I’m not sure enough players know that line.

Alex Auld has signed with the Phoenix Coyotes, where he will compete for the starting goalie spot. You know, if I’m a Coyotes fan, I’m not sure knowing Alex Auld is in contention to be the starting goalie is going to make me feel that much better about the upcoming season. But that might be unfair — Auld actually has a winning record (46-44-13) over 5 seasons, and that includes a recent stint with the Florida Panthers, so that’s pretty amazing.

My big memory of Auld is that he saved my ass in my hockey pool a couple of years ago when Cloutier went down with a 4 month injury and I picked up Auld in desperation. I guess that says something.

Mike Ricci, Alex Auld, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers

• Cost to buy the Tampa Bay Lightning: $206 million. Listening to John Tortorella slam the team’s previous owner? Priceless. (Fan590 audio link is here).
• Edmonton Oilers resign Brodziak and Roy. Craig Simpson’s out, Brodziak and Roy are in. Somehow I think they’re going to need a little more to get back into the playoffs.
• By the way, Simpson is now saying he’s leaving coaching because he realized he’d never be the next Scotty Bowman. There’s so many snarky comments I can make there I’m not even sure where to start…
• Staal brothers offered deal. And why not? Young men busted for drinking too much at a campground during a stag…. I know a lot of guys who call that “Saturday”.
• Hawks extend Savard’s stay. Good on ‘em. One of the best things to happen to the Hawks in years.
• Bruins sign their first round draft pick, Zach Hamill. The Bruins need this kid, both for their team and to keep their fans’ hopes alive.
• Hawks sign James Wisniewski. The Hawks on the other hand destroyed their fans’ hopes years ago…
• Coyotes ink Joel Perrault. Coyotes continue to be a mystery team… how will they do this year?
• CHL Schedule released. Colorado Eagles will begin their defense of the CHL championship title.
• Karel Pilar signs with Thrashers. Pilar’s been out of the NHL for nearly two years battling a heart condition.
• Chris Chelios testifies in murder trial. Nothing funny here. A former Cheli’s restaurant employee murdered two of his former co-workers, one right after Chelios spoke with her.
• Ducks’ Joe DiPenta thrills sick kids with Stanley Cup. Feel-good Cup story of the week.

Tampa Bay Lightning, John Tortorella, Edmonton Oilers, Zach Hamill, James Wisniewski, Coyotes, Joel Perrault, Colorado Eagles, Karel Pilar, Thrashers, Chris Chelios