NHL: Anaheim Ducks at Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes attempt to move up the Pacific division standings as they host divisional rival the Anaheim Ducks.
No division in hockey is closer than the Pacific, so the Phoenix Coyotes (16-11-7, 39 pts), who are currently last in the division, could move up a spot and to within four points of the division leader with a win over Anaheim.
Phoenix is coming off of a 1-0 win over the division leading Dallas Stars on Sunday with backup Jason LaBarbera picking up his fifth career shutout after an injury has kept number one goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from playing.
The status of Bryz for tonight’s game isn’t known yet. If he does play, he has had a lot of success against the Ducks with three shutouts in his last four starts.
The Anaheim Ducks (18-17-4, 40 pts) have been terrible on the power play against Phoenix this season going 0-for-9 in three games so far, but that hasn’t hurt them as they have come away with wins in two of those three games.
The Ducks came up short in their last outing falling 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. Jonas Hiller got the hook after letting in four goals on 23 shots. Backup Curtis McElhinney was perfect in one period and change to close out the game.’
