In Phoenix, Green Is a Good Fit

Center Travis Green was surprised to hear the Mighty Ducks traded him last June. Someone actually wanted him?

“I didn’t exactly have a great season,” Green said.

Phoenix Coach Bob Francis wasn’t sure what the Coyotes got in the deal.

“We really didn’t know where Travis would fit in,” Francis said.

Anywhere they need him, as it turned out. At least, so far.

Green scored the Coyotes’ final goal in a 3-0 victory over the Ducks Sunday at the Pond. An empty-netter, true, but it was his ninth goal, putting him among the NHL leaders.

It also gave him 14 points in his last 11 games, which is a big reason Phoenix is off to the best start in franchise history.

The Coyotes acquired Green and a 1999 first-round pick for defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky on draft day. It wasn’t what anyone would call a steal, unless they thought the Ducks did the pilfering.

Tverdovsky has provided what the Ducks lacked, speed and skill from a defenseman. But Green turned out to be what the Coyotes needed.

He is a steady player and an even-tempered personality on a team with some wild spirits--Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, etc.

“We knew Travis could play a little offense, play a little defense, do a little of everything, really,” Francis said. “But I think he has had the opportunity to play in a system that works with his skills, one that emphasizes transition.”

And flourished in it. In the Coyotes’ 5-3 victory over Colorado Saturday, Green had the game-winner and added an empty-netter.

Earlier this season, he scored with five seconds left to give Phoenix a 2-2 tie with Buffalo.

“I came into a situation where I just fell into a role,” said Green, who had 13 goals and 30 points last season. “The Ducks wanted me to play more on the checking line. I didn’t get off to a good start and just ended up in that role. Here, I have played on the power play and with the top lines.”

Green’s recent play came at an opportune time. Roenick was suspended for five games for slashing Chicago’s Tony Amonte Oct. 8 and Green went on a five-game goal streak.

“When Jeremy went down, he centered our No. 1 line and did an excellent job,” Francis said. “Now he’s between [Rick] Tocchet and [Greg] Adams. They’re playing well right now and you can give Travis a lot of credit for that.”