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Coyotes look to overcome injuries

2 comments by Jim Gintonio - Nov. 6, 2009 05:14 PM
The Arizona Republic

Three defensemen - including the two assistant captains - are out with injuries, and coach Dave Tippett says situations like this can be dealt with through a strong team concept.

Ed Jovanovski (lower body) was injured late in Thursday night's win over the Chicago Blackhawks, and his status is day to day. Zbynek Michalek (lower body) and Kurt Sauer (upper body) are listed as week to week.

The Coyotes (10-6) reached the 20-point level three weeks sooner than last season, and they'll try to build on their 3-1 win over the Blackhawks against the Ducks (5-7-2) in Anaheim on Saturday night.

"We're not the only team in the league with injuries," Tippett said. "It is what it is, and you have to deal with it. That's why I think one of the ways you overcome it is with a strong team concept, whether they're top players or not, you still have to play a strong concept that allows you a chance to win the game, and that will be our mind-set.

"We certainly miss 'Jovo' and 'Z', but that's still not an excuse for not winning."

David Schlemko was recalled from San Antonio of the American Hockey League before Thursday's game and played at a high level with defensive partner Keith Yandle. He had his first assist as he played in his fourth NHL game and first this season. On Friday, the Coyotes also called up Shaun Heshka, who has yet to play in the NHL.

Tippett said the mixing and matching of defensemen was "situationally motivated," but that he anticipates good performances.

"We expect the players who have come in to play and play well, just like Schlemko did (Thursday). He came in and played very well. Injuries happen to everybody, you just have to deal with them and move forward.

"The injuries (to Jovanovski and Michalek), those are both high-quality players for us so we'll have to make sure we have a strong pack mentality back there and weather through it."

Jovanovski, who is tied for the team lead in goals (five) and points (13) said while the injury is frustrating he has been fortunate to play 80 and 82 games the past two seasons.

Note

The Coyotes reassigned forward Mikkel Boedker to San Antonio of the American Hockey League. Boedker, 19, appeared in six games this season.




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