Positives For Desert Hockey Amidst Coyotes Relocation On Wednesday night, the Arizona Coyotes played what is likely their final game [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/arizona-coyotes/latest-news/coyotes-end-tenure-in-arizona-with-night-that-will-live-in-history] before relocating. The Coyotes left their fans with a lot to cheer about as they defeated Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers by a convincing 5-2 final score. While it was nice to see the Coyotes go out with a victory, it does not lessen the sting of the franchise's expected move to Salt Lake City. The NHL's Board of Governors is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. ET to vote on the relocation, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1780775076859650244]. [gallery ids="6991,6992,6957,6993,6994,6995,6996,6997"] The Coyotes' final game at Mullett Arena and in Arizona naturally brought about sadness and anger but also feelings of nostalgia and appreciation. For starters, Coyotes legend Shane Doan was reunited with his retirement banner by a fan who retrieved it after it was left behind at Gila River Arena. Coyotes fans were also quite vocal during the club's final matchup. They made it abundantly clear they were not fans of the team's move to Salt Lake City and took it out on the team's soon-to-be new home. Sean Durzi will go down as the Coyotes' final goal-scorer. He scored an unassisted empty-netter all the way from Arizona's defensive zone to give the club a 5-2 lead. During the game's final minute, fans rightfully gave the Coyotes a standing ovation in an emotional moment. Following the game, the Coyotes and the team's staff took a final photo on the ice. The Coyotes players then gave their game-worn jerseys to fans. Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse later showed the qualities of a potential captain, as the 26-year-old stayed on the ice for almost an hour after the game to sign jerseys for Arizona fans. Crouse is the Coyotes' longest-tenured player, having spent each of the last eight years in the desert. Coyotes broadcaster Todd Walsh ended the night with a magnificent yet gutting send-off. In it, he notably discussed how the hockey community was there for him when his parents passed away. He also shared a beautiful message to Coyotes fans. "The Coyotes, as you know, never won a Cup, but we went through a whole heck of a lot together," Walsh said. "This is my message to you, Coyote fans who have been there since Day 1, and it’s simply this… we walk together forever as Coyote fans. And that’s the story, really. That’s my chalkboard.” Former Coyotes forward and current TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette also gave a powerful speech about his appreciation and love for the organization. The Coyotes notably claimed the enforcer off waivers in 2009, and he became a fan favorite over his five-year stint with the club. He also stayed quite active with the organization after hanging up the skates. In the end, it was such a bittersweet night in the NHL. It is tough to see the Coyotes go, but boy, did the team and their fans give the club a beautiful send-off.
