Full Strength

It’s tough to believe that, only a few years ago, the Phoenix Coyotes were a crappy hockey team that seemed destined to relocate to Canada. In a way, the Coyotes have the Dallas Stars to thank for changing their fate. It was the Stars’ decision to fire then-coach Dave Tippett...

By Ed Kummerer

October 20, 2011

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It’s tough to believe that, only a few years ago, the Phoenix Coyotes were a crappy hockey team that seemed destined to relocate to Canada. In a way, the Coyotes have the Dallas Stars to thank for changing their fate.

It was the Stars’ decision to fire then-coach Dave Tippett that allowed the Coyotes to replace head coach Wayne Gretzky with somebody competent. Under Tippett, the Coyotes have transformed into a hard-nosed defensive team with an outside shot of winning the Stanley Cup.

Tippett’s Coyotes will have a chance to thank the Stars personally when the two teams face off at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale.

Tue., Oct. 25, 7 p.m., 2011

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