The Coyotes' most-debated question was answered by coach Wayne Gretzky on Wednesday when he named Tellqvist to start tonight's season opener against the St. Louis Blues at Jobing.com Arena.
Tellqvist, a Coyotes backup last season, and two free agents, Alex Auld and David Aebischer, waged an intense battle throughout training camp, and Gretzky said it was not an easy choice.
"All three played very well, and I think that they all played hard every game, . . . but I think Tellqvist earned the right to start," he said, adding that one of Tellqvist's best efforts came in the final preseason game at Colorado.
Auld will be listed as No. 2 on the depth chart for tonight's game.