ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes getting healthy before road trip to Canada

Feb 22, 2013, 11:42 PM | Updated: Feb 23, 2013, 12:40 am

The Phoenix Coyotes (8-6-2) are heading north of the border for a three-game road trip starting in Edmonton before making stops in Calgary and Vancouver.

Having fared well against western Canadian teams last season, going 12-4, the ‘Yotes are looking to repeat their success this time around. Head coach Dave Tippett said spirits are high every time his team makes the trip up north.

“I know players are excited to play; there are a lot of players that grew up in western Canada so they’re excited to get back there,” he said. “There’s always an excitement about playing in Canada and that probably brings out the best in players. ”

Tippett is looking forward to getting a key player, Matthew Lombardi, back in his lineup Saturday. Lombardi has been out since Jan. 24 against the Sharks when he suffered a shoulder injury.

“He’s a guy who plays with speed; he can distribute the puck out of the middle. When he left here he was a real good player for us so if we can get him back up and going in that direction we think we can have a real good asset,” he said. “He’s anxious to get playing again, it’s unfortunate he got hurt and missed the time he has but he’s anxious to get going and I think we’ll be seeing him tomorrow.”

The coach added that his team is also expecting forward Radim Vrbata, who has been kept out of action because of a lower body injury, along with Lombardi to re-join the club while in Canada.

“Vrbata looks like he’s going to be fine coming out of practice today so those two guys back in the lineup will be good for us,” he said.

Defenseman Derek Morris is also expected to return sometime during the road trip after recovering from an upper body injury, but exactly when that will be remains a question.

“He’s coming on this trip, he’s day-to-day, there’s a chance he’ll play on this trip,” Tippett said. “I don’t think he’ll play tomorrow but there’s a chance he’ll play on the trip.”

The team is taking Michael Stone to fill in on defense until Morris’ return.

“With back to back games we’ve got to get somebody in there,” the coach said. “We recalled Stone just as a security.”

Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes F Logan Cooley...

Associated Press

Logan Cooley nabs 1st career hat trick as Coyotes end Predators’ points streak

Logan Cooley had his first NHL hat trick and the Arizona Coyotes snapped the Nashville Predators’ point streak.

4 hours ago

Matias Maccelli #63 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during an NHL game at Mullett Arena...

Associated Press

Josh Doan nets twice in NHL debut, Coyotes score 4 goals in 3rd and beat Blue Jackets

Josh Doan had two goals including the go-ahead score in his first NHL game and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-2.

2 days ago

ASU hockey player Josh Doan and father Shane Doan wave to fans before the ceremonial first puck to ...

David Veenstra

Arizona Coyotes forward Josh Doan scores twice in NHL debut

Coyotes forward Josh Doan scored twice in his NHL debut on Tuesday. Doan had goals in the second and third period against Columbus. 

2 days ago

Josh Doan...

Damon Allred

Arizona Coyotes recall forward Josh Doan from Tucson Roadrunners

The Arizona Coyotes recalled former second-round pick Josh Doan, son of former captain Shane Doan, from the Tucson Roadrunners.

4 days ago

Miro Heiskanen #4 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck while being defended by Alex Kerfoot #15...

Associated Press

Arizona Coyotes fall to Dallas Stars for 2nd time in last 3 games

Miro Heiskanen broke a tie with 5:28 left and the Stars won their fourth consecutive game, beating the Coyotes on Sunday night.

4 days ago

Dylan Guenther...

Associated Press

Coyotes’ Dylan Guenther scores overtime game-winner vs. Kraken

Dylan Guenther scored in overtime to give the Arizona Coyotes a win over Seattle on Friday night.

6 days ago

Coyotes getting healthy before road trip to Canada