Division 5th Pacific 2005–06 record 38–39–5 Goals against 271 | Conference 12th Western Goals for 246 General Manager Mike Barnett | |
The Phoenix Coyotes season involved Wayne Gretzky becoming the head coach.
Contents
- Offseason
- Wayne Gretzky
- Regular season
- Schedule and results
- Playoffs
- Torino Olympics
- Transactions
- Farm teams
- References
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
Offseason
Wayne Gretzky
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 Rick Tocchet 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.
Regular season
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
Schedule and results
Playoffs
The Coyotes missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Torino Olympics
Regular season
Note:
Pos = Position; GPI = Games played in; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes; +/- = Plus/minus; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goalsMin, TOI = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T,T/OT = Ties; OTL = Overtime losses; GA = Goals-against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts; SA = Shots against; SV = Shots saved; SV% = Save percentage;
Transactions
The Coyotes were involved in the following transactions during the 2005–06 season.