Phoenix Coyote Defense Takes a Blow

The Coyotes defense has been looking exceptionally strong this season with Ed Jovanovski picking up the slack from last season and Zybnek Michalek leading the charge as usual. New guy Adrian Aucoin has not only be living up to his end of the bargain in defense but racking up some goals as well.

But this strong defense has taken a hit or two this week with both Jovo and Michalek out for “lower body injuries” Is this just code for “groin”? We are all grownups here.. Anyway for those of you who have seen Michalek play this injury should come as no surprise. This guy is famous for sacrificing his body, throwing himself in front of any puck that comes close. I am surprised he hasn’t been out for internal hemorraghing as much as he’s taken pucks to the gut. He’s listed as “week to week” which is an indication that it’s pretty serious.

Ed Jovanovski is listed as “day to day” so hopefully his injuries won’t keep him out as long. With Kurt Sauer also out for quite a while now, you gotta wonder, what’s going to happen to our defense?

This past week has seen more downs than ups with the Yotes losing 3 out of their 4 games. The games have seen their share of rallies including a 3 goal 3rd period against the Anaheim Ducks Saturday night, but it was a case of too little too late and they fell to them.

So with our best defense going day-to-day and week-to-week the Yotes have brought up Shaun Heshka to cover the hole (and sent down Mikkel Boedker, boo!) Heshka showed great promised in rookie training camp and we’ll see how long he’s needed. With the next game a few days away we could some improvements in Jovo’s health.

Until then..our defenses are down.