(Phoenix) - It didn't come as a surprise for anyone that the Phoenix Coyotes decided to replace their former GM with a swedish one. After all, the team already contains 7 swedish players who compete for a roster spot. Last night, Phoenix played their first game under their new GM Mårten Eriksson. After the game, we managed to get a few comments from him.
Do you think your nationality contributed to the owners selection of you as GM? No, not really. At this level we are all professionals. We can't let factors like nationality affect our decisions. Of course, the situation is a bit special with so many of Swedens top players in the same club, but make not mistake, they will have to earn their spot on the team as everybody else.
You have now seen your team play their first game, a tie against Minnesota. Any comments about the game? I must say we were a bit lucky to get away with a point there. Minnesota played a good game, and showed that they plan to still be on the ice when the playoffs starts. Even though we didn't play as good as we could, I am still satisfied that we manage to come from behind twice in the game. It shows that the team has character.
The end of the regular season is now approaching fast, and Phoenix currently has home ice advantage in the playoffs. What do you expect from the team in the playoffs? As you said, home ice advantage seems to a safe bet now, which is a nice advantage to have. The team certainly has potential to advance a few rounds in the playoffs, and we have quite a few experienced players on the team as well, players who knows what to expect in the playoffs. We are also lucky that a few of the best performing teams so far, are in the eastern conference. But, surprises are hardly uncommon in the playoffs, so we will certainly not the make the mistake to underestimate any opponents. Any team who makes the playoffs can win it all.