As the dust settles on the 2026 NHL season, hockey fans are still buzzing about the thrilling playoff run that captivated the league. In a surprising turn of events, the underdog Arizona Coyotes emerged as dark horses, upsetting top-seeded teams and making a deep push for the Stanley Cup. Led by their star goalie and a breakout season from young forward, the Coyotes' Cinderella story will be remembered for years to come. But what made their playoff run so special, and what lessons can other NHL teams learn from their improbable success?