When the NHL season opened last fall, there was actually optimism in the Valley. The Phoenix Coyotes actually had new ownership that seemed to want to keep the team here and was willing to spend some money, at least more than the NHL, which was recently running the organization.

But, the team’s play has been inconsistent, and a postseason spot is far from guaranteed. Now with the Olympics break over, the Coyotes return to the ice on Thursday night in Winnipeg. Dave Vest, senior director of news content for the Coyotes, discussed the season.