Coyotes fans hoped for a quick resolution of the team's future after the city of Glendale's decision to extend its arena-management deal with the NHL and keep the Coyotes in town at least one more year.

Instead, they've been forced to wait even longer.

Since the city approved the measure on May 10, there hasn't been a much public comment from the city and prospective owner Matthew Hulsizer has been heard from only through a spokesperson who has been deflecting reports that Hulsizer is on the verge of pulling out of the deal and focusing on another NHL team.

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs appeared on a local public affairs talk show on May 24 and said that despite rumors that Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is once again being courted to purchase the team, Hulsizer is still in the picture.

"I have been told there are others who are interested," Scruggs said. But "to my knowledge the National Hockey League has not sent anybody to our doorstep, saying, 'Start dealing with this person now because we're thinking of telling Mr. Hulsizer we've changed our mind and we want you to deal with them (the new buyer).' "

But the Hulsizer deal is contingent on a bond sale that has been vehemently opposed by the watchdog group the Goldwater Institute, and he already has said that his last, best deal is on the table. He showed up at only one of Phoenix's four playoff games and didn't appear at the May 10 city council meeting that saved the Coyotes for at least another season.

The pressure is off for the moment. The money has been fronted. The Atlanta Thrashers are earmarked for Winnipeg, and the Coyotes know they are staying put until the cries from Seattle or Quebec replace those from Manitoba. General manager Don Maloney has received his budget and should have enough money to keep the team competitive, but filling the obvious holes might prove more difficult.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Fighting for a playoff spot in February and with a daunting East Coast road trip staring them in the face, the Coyotes reeled off eight straight wins capped by a 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers in Philadelphia. Shane Doan tied Teppo Numminen's franchise record for games played that night and celebrated with the overtime game-winner to cap the streak.

TURNING POINT
The Coyotes felt good about their regular season and good about their chances to beat the Detroit Red Wings. In Game 1 of the series, Kyle Turris scored two minutes into the game, and they were handed five power plays -- including nearly two minutes of 5-on-3 play -- over the next 15 minutes. But the Coyotes couldn't cash in for a single goal, the Red Wings scored the next four goals and Phoenix was on its way to an embarrassing sweep.

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