GLENDALE – The Coyotes on Tuesday altered their game day routine from recent past seasons by holding their morning skate at the Ice Den in Scottsdale instead of at Jobing.com Arena.

Since the players live closer to the Ice Den than Jobing.com Arena, the thinking is it may be wiser to have them make the 65-mile round-trip from Scottsdale to Glendale only once instead of twice on game days.

David Schlemko and Head Coach Dave Tippett. Photo by Norm Hall.

“We just feel like we could accomplish more right here,” Head Coach Dave Tippett said from the Ice Den on Tuesday. “We’re always looking to try and move ahead and get better, and this is just something we’re going to try this year for a little bit.”

The players like the idea.

“I think it’s great,” forward Paul Bissonnette said. “It’s extremely more convenient in terms of travel and rest time. It’s a good routine.”

Coyotes captain Shane Doan likes the fact that the schedule is looser at the Ice Den and that there isn’t a rush to get off the ice so the other team can get on.

“You're always trying to find any advantage possible and if this gives us an advantage than I’m the biggest fan of it,” Doan said. “I do think it is an advantage (in theory), but the proof will be in the pudding.”

The Coyotes lost Tuesday's game to Chicago, 5-2.

FYI, unlike the practices at Jobing.com Arena, the practices at the Ice Den are open to the public.