Ducks at Coyotes
THE STORY: The Anaheim Ducks were on their way up the standings prior to the long All-Star break, and will be hoping the layoff did nothing to cool their hot streak when they visit the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday. It might seem strange to think that a team that was battling the Columbus Blue Jackets for the Western Conference basement a few weeks ago could envision making the playoffs, but Anaheim always had the talent and finally began to put it together with an 8-1-1 stretch leading into the break. The Ducks will begin their playoff push 12 points behind the eighth-place Minnesota Wild. One of the teams in the next group ahead of Anaheim and looking up at Minnesota are the Coyotes, who limped into the All-Star break having lost 12 of their last 16 games.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Anaheim), FS Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE DUCKS (18-23-7): During its winning streak, Anaheim beat up Phoenix 6-2 on Jan. 18. The Ducks were scoring goals in bunches during the surge, putting up an average of 4.5 goals in the eight victories. Anaheim suffered a letdown with a 1-0 loss at Dallas in the final game before the break but get four straight at home after the trip to Phoenix. The stretch that will determine whether they are buyers or sellers comes after that, with an eight-game road trip leading to the trade deadline.
ABOUT THE COYOTES (22-20-8): The optimism that surrounds Anaheim is absent from Phoenix, despite the Coyotes sitting nine points ahead in the standings and only three out of a playoff spot. Phoenix drew only 8,000 fans to its last home game and has developed a habit of treating the few that come to excruciating losses. The Coyotes have lost 10 of their last 11 one-goal games, including five that went past regulation.
OVERTIME:
1. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman revealed during All-Star weekend that three groups are showing interest in buying the Coyotes and keeping them in Arizona.
2. Phoenix defenseman Keith Yandle recorded an assist for Team Alfredsson in Sunday’s All-Star Game and Anaheim’s Corey Perry collected a goal and an assist for Team Chara.
3. The teams have split four meetings already this season, with the Ducks taking the last two.