Coyotes hope to match Wings hit for hit

Friday, 04.15.2011 / 5:33 PM | Brian Hedger  - NHL.com Correspondent
Phoenix prides itself on playing gritty, hard-hitting hockey and none of the Coyotes enjoyed being outhit by the Red Wings 33-28 in Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Captain Shane Doan led Phoenix with eight hits, but wants to see more Coyotes flying around the rink on Saturday afternoon for Game 2 against Detroit at Joe Louis Arena.

"I think in this room we've got to take it a little personal," Doan said of being outhit by what most classify as a skilled finesse team. "A few guys have to take it personal. It has to be a group effort. It can't be one or two guys who lead it. It has to be a whole group."

Coyotes coach Dave Tippett would like to see that group again being led by Doan -- who also has offensive skills, but often benefits offensively from the checks he doles out.

"I like Doan physical, because that's who he is," Tippett said on Friday. "When he's a bull out there, that's when he's at his best. When he's a bull in a china shop, that's even better than just being a bull."
Back to top