GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The man who has the Arizona Coyotes playing like a playoff team -- even though they won't make the postseason -- won't be behind the bench Tuesday night.
First-year Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet is taking a leave of absence to deal with a family illness, so assistant coach John MacLean will coach them against the Los Angeles Kings, a team that is back in control of its playoff destiny.
"Family comes first," Coyotes general manager John Chayka said in a statement issued Monday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Toc (Tocchet) as he deals with his personal matter.