Coyotes HC compares Antoine Vermette to Patrice Bergeron
Phoenix Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett gave forward Antoine Vermette high praise in advance of Thursday's game against the New Jersey Devils, comparing the 31-year old to Selke Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins.
“I look at a player like [Bergeron], what he does for Boston,” Tippett said, as per Pro Hockey Talk. “Face-offs. Penalty kill. Power play. Can play against other teams’ top players. That’s the role we use [Vermette] in, and he’s been very good for us in that role.”
Vermette leads all Coyotes forwards in ice time, averaging just over 19 minutes a game; he also leads the forward group in shorthanded ice time (2:20), and averages 2:26 on the power play. The center ranks third in the NHL with 888 faceoff wins, while starting 58.1 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone.
On top of that, he has registered 24 goals and 20 assists, and sits seven points back of defenseman Keith Yandle for the team lead in scoring.
“Good center-men are hard to find,” said Tippett. “He’s a good player. Plays in all situations. He’s a good teammate. He’s fit in very well with our group.”
Add it all up, and Vermette certainly is a key member of a team looking to secure a playoff spot in a very competitive Western Conference.