Coyotes coach is playing big role in unbeaten stretch
Goaltending and a much-needed rest in between games have recently made the Arizona Coyotes a threat to teams up and down the league standings. But the growing success is all an accumulation of André Tourigny’s hand over the team.
“Even if it’s not your best day, you’re going to try for him,” Coyotes forward Christian Fischer said. “I think that’s a huge credit to what he’s brought as a head coach. I haven’t had a coach as close of a relationship as I have with him. That plays a large role in guys being happy here and wanting to play here.”
Rebuilds can often be filled with growing pains. The Coyotes have certainly taken lumps over the last few years, but having the right person to guide them is a key piece for future success.
“That’s (Tourigny’s) biggest message, if you work hard and care about the game, good things will happen and you will be rewarded,” Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse said. “He definitely rewards you for good work and that goes a long way with the guys and holds the guys accountable.”
The recent stretch has rewarded the Coyotes well. The ongoing nine-game
point streak (5-0-4) is the second-longest active streak in the league and the team’s longest since 2012. The Coyotes are one of three teams that have not had a regulation loss in the month of February.
During the stretch, the Coyotes spoiled the Tampa Bay Lightning at home and caught the Los Angeles Kings flat-footed in a four-goal comeback on the road.
The Kings were a massive test for the Coyotes in maintaining the streak after going down 5-1 in the first period.
“The characters that we have in the room and the leadership, (we decided) enough was enough,” Crouse said. “We forced the game into OT and it was upsetting that we lost, but just the determination and never quit mindset that we have is the biggest thing with this group. I’m definitely proud to be a part of a group that has that mindset.”
The leadership group consisting of Crouse, Fischer, and Clayton Keller has benefited greatly since Tourigny took over last season.
Before he even coached his first game with the team, Tourigny emphasized getting to know his players as people first. And he still maintains that.
“It’s an open door policy,” Fischer said. “I know everyone says that, but he comes out to almost every single breakfast, pregame meal. Before the game, he’s in the locker room talking with us about whatever. What we watched last night or anything.”
The connections made between Tourigny and his players have paid off.
Fischer has doubled last year’s production with 10 goals and 11 assists, including three points in the last five games.
Crouse, who hit career highs in several categories last season, is three points shy of tying his career high (34) and one goal away from reaching his second consecutive 20-goal season.
“I earned a lot of trust in him,” Crouse said. “He’s an incredible teacher of the game and he’s the type of guy who is never satisfied. He’s always looking to be better, wins and losses. Some of our best games we’ve played, in the next morning, he’s seeing what we can do to continue to improve. He’s really good at driving our team and creating an atmosphere and a culture that we need here.”