Coyotes at Canucks
THE STORY: The Vancouver Canucks continue their seven-game homestand Wednesday when they host the Phoenix Coyotes. Vancouver has gone just 2-3-0 on its homestand after going 6-0-2 in its previous eight at Rogers Arena. The Northwest Division-leading Canucks, who have lost five of their last seven contests overall, are 2-0-1 against the Coyotes this season. Phoenix has been faltering in its quest for the playoffs, losing six of seven games overall and nine of 13 on the road. The Coyotes, who are coming off a 1-0-2 homestand, are seventh in the Western Conference, one point ahead of four different teams.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona Plus (Phoenix), Rogers Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver)
ABOUT THE COYOTES (34-25-11): Part of Phoenix's struggles can be attributed to a lack of offense from its top scorers. Captain Shane Doan, who has 20 goals, has gone eight games without one while 30-goal scorer Radim Vrbata enters Wednesday mired in a 10-game drought. Derek Morris has rejoined the team after missing 14 games due to a family illness and is skating, but there is no timetable for his return to action. The defenseman, who has recorded a goal and eight assists in 48 contests, has not played since a 3-0 victory over Chicago on Feb. 11. Raffi Torres is riding a three-game goal-scoring streak.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (42-19-8): The Sedin twins are in quite a funk. Daniel has recorded just one assist over his last eight games, while captain Henrik has failed to get on the scoresheet during that span. Andrew Ebbett is hoping to return soon. Ebbett, who suffered a broken collarbone against Boston on Jan. 7, participated in his first full practice since the injury on Tuesday. The 29-year old still has not been cleared for contact, however. Ebbett registered four goals and one assist in 14 games before being shelved.
OVERTIME:
1. Phoenix is 4-14-1 over its last 19 visits to Vancouver.
2. The Canucks have lost seven of their last nine meetings with Pacific Division opponents.