Arizona Coyotes V Winnipeg Jets Preview, Start Time, TV

The Arizona Coyotes have had an uncertain offseason.  So uncertain in fact that the very city they were to represent in the upcoming 2014-15 season was in question. After all the wrangling and politics over a new arena the Coyotes weren’t big players in free agency. Instead they signed role players to fill holes in the roster behind a young core of developing players.

Arizona Coyote captain feels that the choice to build from within isn’t as much about strategy as it is identity.

"“building the team up from within” rather than being overly active in free agency and trades. Only five players on the 23-man roster — Sam Gagner, Justin Hodgman, Joe Vitale, B.J. Crombeen and Devan Dubnyk — are new to the team as it enters the season. “It’s kind of our identity — who we are,” the captain, who turns 38 on Friday, said. “No one’s really picking us to do anything. And that’s maybe a good thing.”"

The Coyotes will take that underdog mentality into the season opener with the Winnipeg Jets. They know they will have to do all the little things right to be competitive and have been focusing on special teams play especially the penalty kill.

"“Our penalty kill was a big reason why we lost so many leads,” defenseman Zbynek Michalek said. “Not necessarily that they tied a game on their power play, but maybe they scored one goal and their power play gave them momentum and completely changed the game. I think the PK was really our Achilles’ heel last year.”"

As the captain said, maybe it is a good thing no one expects much from the Coyotes this season.  With some attention to detail and a lot of hustle the Arizona Coyotes could surprise some teams and sneak their way into the playoffs.

Arizona Coyotes V Winnipeg Jets Game Information

What: The 2014-15 Season Opener

When: Thursday October 9th

Start Time: 7:00 pm

TV: Fox Sports Arizona