Coyotes reach 100-point mark by routing Avs

[Forkboy]

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Points-wise, the Coyotes reached the century mark for the first time ever Saturday night.

Going to the playoffs? It only seems like it's been a century between trips – but Phoenix is finally, officially, headed back to the postseason.

Lee Stempniak scored his 11th and 12th goals in 12 games as a Coyote and Wojtek Wolski added a goal and two assists against his old team as Phoenix reached the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history with a 6-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche at Jobing.com Arena on Saturday night.

"As a team in the room we were pretty confident as a group all season," said captain Shane Doan on Phoenix's chances to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002. "But no one is going to say we were thinking 100 points and pushing for the League lead. After eight years in a row of struggles … this is a pretty good feeling."

The Coyotes actually clinched their first playoff spot in eight years earlier in the day when ninth-place Calgary was shut out in Boston. But with a sellout crowd roaring with every goal, Phoenix put an exclamation point on the big day and tied another franchise record with its 27th home win and fifth straight – including two against the Avalanche in the last three weeks.

Phoenix is also 10-1-1 in its last 12 games and has won 18 of the last 24 overall.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009021119

[JonLP24]

1. They won 6-2

Game wasn't on TV yesterday but Fox Sports will be airing the game at Vancouver on Tuesday. Can't wait for the game, can't wait for the playoffs. :bounce:

Oh btw-Thanks Bruins for helping the Coyotes make the playoffs. ;)

[Forkboy]

2. I honestly thought they'd fade in the 2nd half, but they've only gotten stronger.

I bet no one in the West wants to draw these guys in the playoffs. Hottest team in the NHL.

[JonLP24]

3. I honestly never thought that

They looked good in almost every game I watched this season. They've been at that #4 spot pretty much all year and they are close to climbing higher. I just hope it continues.