So this is it. The season has come and gone. Just like that. In the blink of an eye, it’s over. It seems like only yesterday we were sitting in Montreal watching the pre-game video presentation on the jumbotron HD video scoreboard. I was moved to tears that night. It was a celebration of hockey. The season was barely underway. There was so much hockey to be played.  So much hope on the horizon.

Yes, the Coyotes went out in style … winning on the road in San Jose and back at home, in a shoot out, against Anaheim. We have documented what did and didn’t happen to this team here on this blog all season. But it’s not important what I say! The purpose of this is to chronicle what the Coach has to say. We try and record and post every word that he says.

It’s amazing to witness what he goes through as not only the Coach of the Coyotes, but still as one of the faces of the NHL. Through it all he always remains consistent in what he says and in his access. He measures his words and more often that not delivers exactly what a reporter needs, and then some. We should all be so lucky in the other sports that we might cover!

So, one last sit down. A one-on-one at the conclusion of the roller coaster ride that was the 2008-2009 season.  Listen below for the full the interview with the head coach, Wayne Gretzky:

Enjoy the playoffs.  See you back at the rink soon.

- Todd

B.J. Crombeen scored twice and Chris Mason made 28 saves as the St. Louis Blues defeated the Coyotes 5-1 on Tuesday night at Jobing.com Arena.  A three-goal second period was the key for the Blues (39-31-10), who leapfrogged Nashville into eighth place in the Western Conference standings.

Click to hear more on the game from the Coach:

- Todd

How cool is this? Al Montoya gets the start, again, tonight! That’s three games in a row. Listen to Wayne’s thoughts on why and just what he has seen from his young goaltender.

Coach Gretzky:

And, we’ll see you tonight on AZ TV!

- Todd

Behind 20 saves by rookie Al Montoya and 3rd period goals by Ed Jovanoski and Scotti Upshall, the Coyotes beat the Kings 2-1 on Thursday in front of 13,177 at Jobing.com Arena. Hear more on the strong play by this rookie goalie from Coach Gretzky:

Also, take a listen to this pre-game special we put together:

- Todd

I don’t often share this, but take a listen to Wayne’s post game comments, plus goaltender Al Montoya who pitched a shut out in his first ever NHL game. He is the first goalie in franchise history to accomplish
that feat.

Coach Gretzky:

Al Montoya:

You can hear, I think, the smile on their faces.

- Todd

Some interesting comments from Wayne regarding the possible return of Joe Sakic to the Av’s … maybe by the end of the season.  Sakic has played in just 15 games in this his 20th NHL season.

Click to hear Wayne’s comments:

As a bonus, take a listen to this feature on Joe that aired during our broadcast:

- Todd

Sure, San Jose was not playing with all of their top players and yes, they found a way to win in the third, but I have to tell you, this was an entertaining hockey game. There was a furious pace that had the feel of a post season affair.

The same thing took place the following night against the Dallas Stars with an OT victory for Phoenix.  Hear Wayne’s post-game pressers below from each of these games.

Coach Gretzky after Sharks game:

Coach Gretzky after Stars game:

I will say this — this team hasn’t quit. Frankly, they could have.

- Todd

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman visited Jobing.com Arena to discusses numerous topics, including the team’s future in Glendale.  Click below to listen in on the Commissioner’s media scrum:

Click here to watch a full interview provided by PhoenixCoyotes.com.

- Todd

Bravo to the Phoenix Coyotes. They might not be playing for a post season slot, but they came to play against an Edmonton team that was trying to stop a two game losing skid. By the time the third period came around the Oilers had already dropped out of the Western Conference’s 8th and final playoff spot. They HAD to win.

A three goal lead turned into a 3-2 lead, but they held it. And there were lessons learned along the way that will bear fruit soon enough.

More from the coach:

See ya in San Jose on Saturday night.

- Todd

Thought you might enjoy this piece that ran during our Coyotes/Ducks Broadcast.  We put this segment together that features Wayne and Darren Pang on the great career of Scott Niedermeyer.  By the way Maple Leaf Fans – did you know who missed joining your team because of a trade with the New Jersey Devils?

Click to hear:

- Todd