VIDEO: Coyotes coaching staff preaches defense and speed

Dave Tippett was hired in the fall by Phoenix after being let go by the Dallas stars at the end of the 2008-09 season. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Coyotes surprising first half is one of the feel-good stories of the year. Despite all the uncertainty the Coyotes faced this past summer they have been able to put that turmoil behind them and focus on winning hockey games.

And one of the reasons for their success is the new team philosophy instituted by the coaching staff. The hiring of Dave Tippett and the addition of Dave King as his assistant has brought stability to a team that was on the brink of extinction.

While the Coyotes have played well thus far the true test of their new system will come in the stretch run to the playoffs. Rory Boylen takes a closer look at the change in philosophy in the desert.

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