Coyotes at Panthers
THE STORY: As if December hadn’t been rough enough for the Phoenix Coyotes, they let at least a point get away with 0.1 left on the clock Saturday in a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers. It was the sixth loss in nine games during the month, dropping the Coyotes out of the top eight in the Western Conference. Phoenix will try to turn that around when it visits the Southeast Division-leading Florida Panthers on Tuesday in the first of a two-day, two-game road trip. The Panthers have gained at least a point in eight straight games (6-0-2) at home, the longest such streak since a 10-gamer during the 2005-06 season. Florida came from behind to beat Carolina Sunday 3-2 for its first overtime victory.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida
ABOUT THE COYOTES (16-13-3): Phoenix had been 14-0-0 with a lead going into the third period before Brad Richards’ shot found its way in the net Saturday, but the Coyotes have to pick it up offensively. They have only 18 goals in nine games and continue to struggle on the power play. Offensive defenseman David Rundblad, acquired from Ottawa for disgruntled center Kyle Turris on Saturday, could help. In addition, defenseman Rostislav Klesla is expected to return from a lower-body injury soon to help goaltender Mike Smith, who is 2-6 in December with a .870 save percentage.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (18-9-6): The Panthers keep finding ways to win games, despite injuries. With forwards Scottie Upshall, Marcel Goc and Jack Skille already out, Sean Bergenheim went down with an apparent groin injury Sunday. Bergenheim is out indefinitely after scoring five goals in his last nine games. Forward Shawn Matthias played a career-high 21:18 Sunday, earning his third assist in two games. Jason Garrison scored his 10th goal Sunday to lead all NHL defensemen. Kris Versteeg’s team-leading 16th goal won it in overtime.
OVERTIME:
1. The teams have split the last two meetings, each winning shootouts on the road.
2. Phoenix was 5-for-21 on the power play in the first four games of the season but 7-for-79 since.
3. Florida veteran defenseman Ed Jovanovski spent the last five seasons with Phoenix.