Coyotes at Stars
The Phoenix Coyotes rode Mike Smith on quite the impressive run before falling in the Western Conference finals. The Coyotes will look begin their defense of the Pacific Division title on Saturday when they open their season on the road against the new-look Dallas Stars. Phoenix posted a 3-0-3 mark last season versus Dallas, which made significant changes after missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Coach Glen Gulutzan's club inked five-time scoring champion Jaromir Jagr and also brought in former Sabre Derek Roy, who has recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. Loui Eriksson (team-leading 71 points) and Michael Ryder (club-best 35 goals) return to the fold - as does goaltender Kari Lehtonen, who posted a stingy 2.33 GAA last season.
TV: 8 p.m., FSSW
ABOUT THE COYOTES (2011-12: 42-27-13, 1st Pacific Division): Phoenix won't have far to look to discover what it lost in the offseason as veteran Ray Whitney will suit up for the Stars. The Coyotes kept several familiar faces, however, as captain Shane Doan signed a four-year deal and Radim Vrbata (35 goals) return to the fold. Phoenix won with defense last season, as blue-liner Keith Yandle helped paved the way for Smith (38 wins, eighth shutouts, 2.21 GAA). The Coyotes permitted just 2.32 goals per game - which was fifth-best in the NHL.
ABOUT THE STARS (2011-12: 42-35-5, 4th Pacific Division): Dallas is wagering that the additions of the veterans will give it just the jolt it needs to end its postseason drought. Mike Ribeiro, who matched Eriksson with a team-high 45 assists, joined Washington in the offseason. Defensemen Alex Goligoski and Trevor Daley could go a long way in deciding the Stars' fortunes. Left wing Jamie Benn has not been allowed to practice with the team as contract negotiations continue. Benn had 63 points in 71 games last season.
OVERTIME
1. Phoenix LW Raffi Torres will continue his suspension for his brutal hit on Chicago's Marian Hossa during last season's playoffs. Torres will be sidelined for eight additional games.
2. Mike Modano is back with the Stars as an executive adviser and alternate governor. Modano guided Dallas to the Stanley Cup in 1999.
3. The Coyotes acquired speedy forward Steve Sullivan in the offseason. Sullivan collected 48 points for Pittsburgh last campaign.