With Coyotes' Future Murky, Gretzky Quits as Coach

10 reasons for fans outside of Canada to focus on hockey

(NEWSER) - That time is upon us again: the season in which we ignore most of what's going on in the NHL. But this year it might behoove sports fans to pay attention, writes Maxim. Here's why:

• Detroit needs some good news, right? The champs got even stronger.
• Finally, all of the 'Original Six' teams are strong again. Yes, even the Blackhawks. Look out for Montreal, celebrating its 100th birthday.

Third period fruitful for Anaheim

(NEWSER) - Chris Kunitz and Bobby Ryan scored 43 seconds apart in the third period against former teammate Ilya Bryzgalov, while Ryan Getzlaf had the deciding goal in the shootout to lead the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes Sunday. The Ducks, fourth in the Western Conference, will begin the defense of their Stanley Cup championship at home against Dallas. More»

Canucks net 3-1 win on twins' collaboration

(NEWSER) - Vancouver avenged last week's 2-0 loss to Phoenix by scraping together a 3-1 win out of second-chance shots, the Vancouver Sun reports. Daniel Sedin twice got the puck near enough to the Coyotes net for his twin Henrik to slip it past Ilya Bryzgalov, and Taylor Pyatt scored off a Kevin Bieksa shot to secure the critical win. More»

4-0 blanking of Kings is Gretzky's 100th as coach

(NEWSER) - The Phoenix Coyotes secured the 100th coaching win for Number 99 with a 4-0 domination of the Kings, their sixth defeat of Los Angeles this season. Wayne Gretzky's decision to replace goalie Ilya Bryzgalov with Mikael Tellqvist paid off in full, as the backup made 34 saves to blank a frustrated Kings line, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»

Meanwhile, Devils trip up Flyers and Flames show spirit in St. Louis

(NEWSER) - Wayne Gretzky was back at Madison Square Garden, this time as head coach of Phoenix, and walked out of his old rink with a 5-1 win over New York. Joel Perrault had two goals for the normally low-scoring Coyotes,who took advantage of playing against the Rangers' backup goaltender. Phoenix scored four times in the middle period. Elsewhere on the ice: More»