Coyotes' Gagner out to prove himself after healthy scratch

Sam Gagner wasn't expecting to take a seat on Saturday, and is out to prove he should be playing instead of eating popcorn in the press box.

The Arizona Coyotes forward will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Edmonton Oilers after sitting out one game as a healthy scratch, and is ready to make a better impression on head coach Dave Tippett.

"It upsets you and it fires you up, and it makes you want to go out and prove yourself," Gagner told Sarah McLellan of azcentral sports in regards to Saturday's decision. 

"I'm not happy with the way my season's gone personally or the way the season's gone for the team. I want to be a guy who's counted on every night, so it's important for me to bring that, and I'm excited to get an opportunity here next game to prove it."

Gagner has recorded only three goals and seven assists with his new club, and is on pace for a career-low 28 points.

"I obviously expected things to go a little differently, but it's 30 games in now and there's really no excuses of adjusting anymore," he said. "It's important for me to lead the team offensively, and I need to find way to do that. It starts with being good defensively and going from there."

He'll get his first chance at redemption on home ice against his old Oilers' teammates, who are struggling in their own right.