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Vermette is the Coyotes’ Bergeron, says Tippett

Antoine Vermette, Marc-Andre Fleury

Phoenix Coyotes’ Antoine Vermette (50) gets to a loose puck below Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) for a first-period goal during an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, March 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

AP

He may not be the flashiest player in the league, but Antoine Vermette is a big part of the Phoenix Coyotes, according to coach Dave Tippett.

“I look at a player like [Patrice Bergeron], what he does for Boston,” Tippett said ahead of tonight’s game in New Jersey. “Face-offs. Penalty kill. Power play. Can play against other teams’ top players. That’s the role we use [Vermette] in, and he’s been very good for us in that role.”

Despite all his defensive responsibilities -- which include starting a high percentage of shifts in the defensive zone -- Vermette has still managed to score 24 times, with 20 assists, this season. And he’s done it all for a manageable cap hit of $3.75 million, on a contract that runs through next season.

“Good center-men are hard to find,” said Tippett. “He’s a good player. Plays in all situations. He’s a good teammate. He’s fit in very well with our group.”