Phoenix Coyotes Looking for Mueller to Step Up

The Phoenix Coyotes have struggled in recent years to remain competitive at the NHL level. With the addition of hall-of-famer Wayne Gretzky as head coach, the Coyotes are slowly turning things around. The Coyotes will be looking for their young players to step up and make a big impact this coming season. Peter Mueller will be among those top young stars.

Mueller had a great season last year, and he hopes he can better his performance this time around. The Coyotes just barely missed the playoffs last season, as they won only 2 of their last 11 games of the season. He scored 22 goals last season, which is just two shy of Chicago Blackhawks youngster Jonathan Toews. Although Mueller did not make the cut to be nominated for the Calder Trophy, the trophy given to the best rookie, Mueller was among the best in last year's rookie class. Mueller not only was close to Toews in goals, but also finished the season third among rookies in points with 54. With the arrival of star Radim Vrbata, as well as rookies, Dan Winnik and Dan Carcillo, the Coyotes had the chance to make the playoffs. A rough patch towards the end saw their season end with disappointment.

This season, Mueller plans to make last season history. He's ready to step up his game, and provide Phoenix fans with a successful season. His ultimate goal for this season is to make the playoffs, but like every young player, he dreams of a Stanley Cup ring.

Besides Vrbata, and Phoenix captain Shane Doan, Mueller averages the most ice time for Phoenix among forwards at over 17 minutes per game. Mueller understands that his play will dictate how much ice time he is given, and welcomes the pressure. He knows that as the season goes on the pressure is greater, from both fans and teammates alike.

Part of the Coyote's success last season was its power play. Mueller was a major factor on the power play playing the point. Using his powerful slap shot, Mueller was able to net 7 power play goals, which ranked him 3^rd on the team in both power play goals and points. Playing the point also meant that Mueller was given more defensive responsibility. He was the last man back, giving him added pressure to not choke up the puck during important situations. Mueller gladly accepts the challenge and playing a more defensive game during the power play makes him a better player overall.

Although Mueller is among the NHL's best rookies, don't think the Phoenix Coyotes are short on young talent. Phoenix has been among the best in drafting well in the past few years, and many players could break out this season. In last season's draft, the Coyotes selected Kyle Turris with the number 3 pick overall. The freshmen, who attended the University of Wisconsin, had 35 points in 36 games and was called up to play 3 games with the Coyotes at the end of last season. The Coyotes also have Brett Maclean who was selected last season with their number 32 pick. He racked up 61 goals in 61 games with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL.

Don't forget that the Coyotes are full of talent on the back end as well. They have Nick Ross, selected 30^th overall in last year's draft, as well as Chris Summers, selected 29^th in the 2006 draft, ready to join the squad. With veteran players like Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris helping the young defense out, look for this year's crop of youngsters to make the Coyotes just that much closer to reaching the playoffs.