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Just 15 days remain until the Phoenix Coyotes are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena to open the preseason. The number 15 is worn by the hard-working faceoff specialist, Boyd Gordon.
Gordon signed a two-year $2.65 million contract with the Coyotes back on July 1, 2011. Gordon was brought in to replace recently departed Vernon Fiddler as the 3rd line center, penalty killer and faceoff specialist. Last season, Gordon had a faceoff percentage of 56.8 percent, good for eighth best in the NHL.
Last season, Gordon set career highs in goals, shots, hits and blocks. Gordon scored eight goals, 23 points and a +9 rating in 75 games. He also ranked fourth among all forwards in blocked shots last season. There is the often talked about game last April against the Columbus Blue Jackets during which Gordon blocked two consecutive shots to help preserve the shutout for Mike Smith.
Gordon remains a solid 3rd line center who excels on the penalty kill and in the faceoff dot. Gordon may be the epitome of "Hockey The Hard Way."