NHL: Phoenix on the Rise

If the NHL season ended today, the Phoenix Coyotes would be watching the playoffs from home. However, the Coyotes have put up surprisingly good numbers through the first half of the season. Martin Hanzal and teammate Peter Mueller have been part of the successful youth movement in Phoenix this year. McKeen's looks at these two players, along with teammate Daniel Winnick and Atlanta Thrashers rookie Tobias Enstrom

Martin Hanzal C, Phoenix Coyotes

Like most lanky players, Hanzal lacks quality skating skills, but at the same time, can be utilized on the PK given his long limbs (reach) and perimeter coverage .. possesses good hands for a big guy, which allows him to work the puck in tight spaces and high traffic areas .. because of his useful passing abilities, Hanzal can be an effective setup man .. though not a natural defender or two-way player, he does an admirable job of backchecking and breaking-up plays .. needs to do a better job in the circle, as he is only winning 44 percent of his draws.

Peter Mueller C, Phoenix Coyotes

Mueller has been gaining more icetime as the season wears on and is becoming a regular contributor on the PP .. Mueller's greatest assets continue to be his passing game (crisp tape-to-tape action) and solid finishing skills, both of which make him a viable scorer and playmaker .. however, he looks clumsy and unbalanced at times, which is a product of his skating style .. he would be more industrious by keeping his feet moving, as he appears lethargic on the ice and can be caught flat-footed.

Daniel Winnick C, Phoenix Coyotes

Winnick is a valuable two-way player who possesses swift feet and appears to run on high-octane fuel .. he can utilize his sturdy frame and physical strength to shield the puck when necessary .. one of the team's top defensive forwards, which is why he sees significant time on the PK .. very aggressive at pressuring the puckhandler, closing gaps and defusing situations on the PK .. his speedy wheels allow him to do this, as he can over pursue and still get back into proper defensive positioning .. displays quality instincts and hockey smarts .. very assertive in his decision-making, as he knows what he wants to do and then does it.

Tobias EnstromD, Atlanta Thrashers

Thrashers rookie defenseman should feel right at home during this weekend's All-Star festivities, as he will be playing in Atlanta's Philips Arena as an Eastern Conference selection for the NHL YoungStars Game .. the young Swedish star currently leads all rookies in powerplay points and total icetime .. finesse, two-way defenseman who best utilizes his offensive skills on the PP, where he can quarterback the team's top unit .. for example, over 75 percent of his points have come on the man advantage .. however, his quality passing skills make him more of a playmaker than a goal scorer .. this is evident by his assist totals, which is third only to Patrick Kane and Nicklas Backstrom among rookies .. lacks a physical game but is not afraid to eat rubber, as he is fourth on the team in blocked shots .. also works hard in front of his own net .. unfortunately, he can sometimes be caught with his stick fully extended while skating backwards, limiting his ability to effectively pokecheck on defense .. solid skater who does not possess scorching speed but maneuvers well around the ice .. can join the rush or lead the attack himself .. not quite a Brian Campbell or Mike Green with regards to being a puckmoving defenseman but can penetrate the opponent's blueline with regularity.