Asked if what has transpired over the first few weeks of the season has made team ownership doubt Gretzky’s coaching ability, CEO Jeff Shumway, who said he was speaking for himself and majority owner Jerry Moyes, said: “Absolutely not. In fact, I think it’s exactly the opposite . . . The more I’ve gotten to know Wayne, the more I appreciate his great knowledge and his ability to handle the players and his ability to communicate with them.”

Gretzky, of course, also owns part of the team.

Regarding General Manager Mike Barnett, Shumway said: “We have confidence in Mike. I think he’s had a different situation this year with the new ownership and with Wayne being in a more active role, starting at the end of last season, with making personnel decisions. . . . I think it’s just way too early to be looking to blame one person or another person, and it’s too early to judge Mike in his new situation.”

Shumway also said neither he nor Moyes would be hesitant to make a change at coach or general manager if they felt it necessary.

Defenseman Ed Jovanovski said the players are to blame.

“We’ve all got to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we’re playing up to our abilities,” Jovanovski said. “I guarantee you, a lot of the answers would be no.”

Help wanted

A team source said the Coyotes are exploring signing an unsigned veteran center - presumably Jason Allison or Yanic Perrault - to fill in for Steven Reinprecht, who will miss the next seven weeks or so because of a broken clavicle.

Last shot

Backup Mike Morrison is expected to start in goal either tonight vs. Edmonton or Tuesday vs. Calgary in what likely will be his last chance to keep from being demoted to the team’s top affiliate in San Antonio.

“I’m on my last strike,” said Morrison, who is 0-2 with a 6.00 goals-against average. “I have no other choice but to go out there and stand on my head. I’ve got to be Ken Dryden or I’m going to be in San Antonio.”

Troubling stat

Shane Doan, Ladislav Nagy and Mike Comrie - all playing for their next contracts - have combined for 47 shots on goal.

Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals has taken 46 shots in seven games.