Coyotes at Ducks
THE STORY: The Anaheim Ducks are starting to make some noise in the Western Conference, but since they are still 14 points out of playoff position, no one can hear them yet. The Ducks have won five of their last six games – including a 2-0-1 road trip – and hope to continue their climb when they host the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday. The Coyotes are two points out of the No. 8 playoff spot in the Western Conference and their schedule is about to become dominated with home games. After Anaheim, Phoenix plays nine of its next 11 and 21 of its last 35 at home. The Coyotes snapped a three-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over Colorado on Monday, which marked a season high for goals. The Ducks won 4-2 at Vancouver on Sunday, and have outscored opponents 25-11 in their last six games.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Anaheim), FS Arizona Plus (Phoenix), NHL Network (Canada)
ABOUT THE COYOTES (21-18-7): Phoenix is receiving solid goaltending from Mike Smith, who despite being 2-0-3 in his last five games has allowed six goals during that span. Radim Vrbata leads Phoenix with 22 goals and should easily surpass his career-high 27 set in 2007-08. He also shares the team lead in points with Ray Whitney at 38. Center Martin Hanzal missed his 11th straight game Monday with a head injury, but skated fully in practice Sunday and could be ready to return to the lineup soon.
ABOUT THE DUCKS (15-22-7): Anaheim remains one of seven teams allowing more than three goals per game, but a stronger emphasis on defense has spearheaded its recent surge. The Ducks have done a better job clogging the shooting lanes and bringing the forwards below the top of the circles when necessary. Jonas Hiller is also starting to return to All-Star form. He is 2-0-1 and has stopped 72 of 75 shots for a .960 save percentage in his last three starts. Bobby Ryan has seven goals and four assists in his last 11 games.
OVERTIME:
1. The Coyotes have won two of three meetings this season, although the Ducks prevailed in the last encounter 4-1 on Dec. 14.
2. Phoenix is the league’s least-penalized team at 7.9 minutes per game.