Didn't quite get the memos in time on Saturday night, but both Shane Doan and Ed Jovanovski were out of the line-up for separate reasons, taking away a lot of that veteran savvy that holds the young team together this year. The Coyotes could have used a bit more of that leadership in regulation time, as they couldn't hold onto a lead against the Penguins, dropping the game 4-3 in the shootout.
Doan won't only miss Saturday night's game against the Penguins, he is now listed as being out indefinitely with a lower-body injury after colliding with the Stars' Niklas Grossman on Friday night and he will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. That isn't good news, but it also may not as bad as it sounds, rather it just being one or two weeks away, which is somewhat manageable. Doan has only played in nine games for the Coyotes and has only been good for 1 goal and 2 assists in his time in the line-up, but it will be his presence that is missed, rather than his current production.
On the other hand, Jovanovski missed Saturday's contest with a bout of the flu, so he should be good to go when the Coyotes go again, which is Monday night in Detroit.
In 11 games this season, Jovanovski has picked up 3 goals and 6 assists to start the season, a very good scoring rate from the blueline. His scoring and physical play are key to Phoenix's success this season.
Obviously, the news is far worse for Stuart, who is holding onto Doan this season in the draft and with Stuart sitting in last place in the standings after Saturday night's action, there is no need for a player to be on the shelf for too long, even if he isn't scoring very well at the moment. Neil, who currently sits in 4th place in the standings, should be getting his second-best defenseman back right away, so he should be back in top form here soon.
Link to the Injury/News Page
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