2005–06 Phoenix Coyotes season
| 2005–06 Phoenix Coyotes | |
|---|---|
| Division | 5th Pacific |
| Conference | 12th Western |
| 2005–06 record | 38–39–5 |
| Goals for | 246 |
| Goals against | 271 |
| Team information | |
| General Manager | Mike Barnett |
| Coach | Wayne Gretzky |
| Captain | Shane Doan |
| Alternate captains |
Mike Ricci Unknown |
| Arena | Jobing.com Arena |
| Team leaders | |
| Goals | Mike Comrie and Shane Doan (30) |
| Assists | Shane Doan (36) |
| Points | Shane Doan (66) |
| Penalties in minutes | Shane Doan (123) |
| Wins | Curtis Joseph (32) |
| Goals against average | Curtis Joseph (2.91) |
The Phoenix Coyotes season involved Wayne Gretzky becoming the head coach.
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
Despite previous denials that Wayne Gretzky would not assume coaching duties, on August 8, 2005 Gretzky agreed to become the new coach of the Coyotes.
In the time leading up to Gretzky's announcement, several prominent free agents signed with Phoenix citing the chance to play for Gretzky, including Brett Hull. Hull, who was briefly Gretzky's right winger, only lasted five games and only scored one assist before retiring. Ironically, "The Golden Brett" would have had the record for the most goals over any given three seasons — he scored 228 goals between 1989–90 and 1991–92 — if it weren't for The Great One. From 1981–82 to 1983–84, Gretzky scored 254 goals.
Gretzky made his coaching debut on October 5, 2005, the opening night of the 2005–06 NHL season, losing 3–2 to the Vancouver Canucks. His first coaching victory was October 8, 2005, beating the Minnesota Wild 2–1. Gretzky took an indefinite leave of absence as coach on December 17, 2005 to care for his ill mother in Brantford, Ontario. His mother lost her battle to lung cancer two days later, dying on December 19, 2005. Assistant coach assumed the position until Gretzky's return on December 28. Coyotes' CEO Jeff Shumway announced on June 5, 2006 that Gretzky has agreed to a new five-year contract to remain as head coach.
Also in the 2005–06 season, the Coyotes were planning to host the NHL all-star game. Due to the XX Winter Olympic Games, the game was canceled.
The Coyotes tied the Los Angeles Kings for most power-play opportunities, with 541.
Divisions: CE – Central, PA – Pacific, NW – Northwest
P- Clinched Presidents Trophy; Y- Clinched Division; X- Clinched Playoff spot
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