Dave Tippett calls break a double-edged sword
Feb 20, 2013, 7:30 PM | Updated: 8:35 pm
The Phoenix Coyotes have a four-day break in the season at one of the worst times: when they’re playing their best hockey.
After their shutout victory over the Calgary Flames on Monday, the Coyotes have won six of their last nine.
“We had a couple good wins at home here before we head back on the road,” coach Dave Tippett told Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo. “Hopefully (we can) go on the road and continue winning.”
Tippett’s team will enjoy the longest break they’ll have all season before playing the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon to start a three-game road trip.
The coach called this break a gift and a curse for the Coyotes, as it’s nice to have rest in a tightened 48-game season but can hurt them in the points standings.
“This week is going to be torture watching other teams play, so we better take care of ourselves,” Tippett said.
Tippett said the Coyotes will utilize the time off recharging their batteries and working on the small things on both sides of the ice.
“We’re going to a lot of defensive work,” Tippett said. “[Thursday] will be more of a skill day and get some guys treated.”
Phoenix travels to Edmonton for a 1:30 p.m. game on Saturday.
