When he's on his laptop with the user name of BizNasty2point0, he is one of the more entertaining and unpredictable tweeters.

On the ice, Paul Bissonnette is not so flighty.

Profile: Paul Bissonnette

As the Coyotes' tough guy, he has a specific role, and what makes him effective is that he picks his spots. He played in only 41 games last year, racking up 117 penalty minutes, but when he is in the lineup, his teammates know he has their backs.

"Players in that role, I love Biss' attitude because he always wants to get better, he wants to do more," coach Dave Tippett said. "That role is not just a toughness role; it's a role that can have an impact on the game, energy in the game, and Biss works hard on his game.

"He put a lot of work in last year, and he wants to be an everyday player, and I love the way he gets out there and works. He cares about every situation. He's like a sponge. He wants to learn, so he'll continue to grow."

Bissonnette, a left wing, was defenseman earlier in his career, which included 15 games with Pittsburgh in 2008-09. He had three goals and two assists with the Coyotes last season, and he wants to use that as a springboard to expand his presence.

"I've been talking to a few third- and fourth-line guys, just trying to get little tidbits on things, how to become a bit of a better player," he said. "I've just adapted to the forward role a few years now, so it's nice at this level to learn how to play it."

Still, he does not mind the enforcer tag.

"It's whatever you want to say," he said. "It's my job, and I embrace the role. I would like to be known for more than that."

Bissonnette said he never expects to be a 15-goal scorer, but improving his offensive game is one of his ambitions.

"Being a five-to-10 goal guy eventually, in that range, that would be awesome, chip in a little offensively and become more reliable on the ice," he said.

When Bissonnette, whom General Manager Don Maloney called a middleweight when he signed him, does drop the gloves, many times it is against some of the NHL's big swingers. It is not an easy chore to go head-to-head with a larger and enraged opponent, but Bissonnette understands the situation.

"Last year, it was a little intimidating coming in, especially going from the AHL, fighting heavyweights there, it's a little different fighting heavyweights here," he said. "You've got guys like Jody Shelley, Colton Orr, those guys are quote-unquote killers. . . .

"Most of the time you're just trying to protect your teammates or get the momentum, so you kind of put your body on the line for your team, and that's what I bring to the table, and like I say I don't mind doing that."

Coyotes in Prague

The Coyotes were expected to land in Prague late Monday morning to begin preparations for their two season-opening games against the Boston Bruins.

They will play an exhibition game Wednesday in Riga, Latvia, against Dinamo Riga of the KHL. The Coyotes and Bruins play Saturday and Sunday.