Ducks at Coyotes
THE STORY: The Anaheim Ducks hope to avoid their longest road losing streak in nearly two years when they visit the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday. Anaheim has lost six straight on the road, its longest skid away from home since it dropped nine in a row (0-5-4) from Oct. 11-Dec. 11, 2009. Overall, the Ducks have suffered four consecutive defeats and 10 of their last 11 (1-7-3). Pacific Division rival Phoenix returns home from a five-game road trip during which it won three games and lost a pair of one-goal decisions. The Coyotes have earned at least one point in five of their last six home contests (3-1-2).
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE DUCKS (6-10-4): Matt Beleskey remains property of Anaheim as the left wing went unclaimed after being placed on waivers Monday. Beleskey posted a minus-6 rating without recording a point in 16 games this season. The 23-year old registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 95 contests over his first two NHL campaigns. Two of the seven players in the NHL to appear in at least 20 games without scoring a goal are on the Ducks' roster. Brandon McMillan has notched three assists and Andrew Gordon has picked up one in 20 contests but have yet to tally.
ABOUT THE COYOTES (10-6-3): Kyle Turris ended his holdout Tuesday and signed a two-year contract worth a reported $2.8 million. The 22-year old would have been ineligible to play in the NHL this season had he not signed by Dec. 1. "I am happy to sign with Phoenix and start playing," he told the Coyotes' website. "It’s been a long process, but now I am focused on playing and helping the team win." Mike Smith has yet to lose to the Ducks in regulation over his career, going 4-0-1 with one shutout and a 1.87 goals-against average in six games.
OVERTIME:
1. The road team has had the upper hand of late in the all-time series, winning five of the last six meetings.
2. Phoenix has captured four of its last five overall games against Anaheim and five of seven at home.