Wild at Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes attempt to extend their point streak to five games when they host the Minnesota Wild on Monday. Phoenix is 2-0-2 over its last four contests, with both victories coming via the shutout. The Coyotes took three of a possible four points in a home-and-home series with the Dallas Stars, concluding the set with a 2-0 home triumph on Saturday.
Minnesota is coming off a 3-1 loss to the Ducks in Anaheim on Friday. Defenseman Marco Scandella scored the lone goal for the Wild, who had recorded at least three tallies in each of their previous four contests. The setback snapped a three-game point streak for Minnesota, which had gone 2-0-1 during that span.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN North, FSN Wisconsin (Minnesota), FSN Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE WILD (4-3-1): Jared Spurgeon was placed on injured reserve Sunday. The defenseman already has missed five games with a lower-body injury suffered in a loss to the Nashville Predators on Jan. 22. Center Charlie Coyle was recalled from Houston of the American Hockey League to fill the roster spot. The 20-year-old, who has yet to make his NHL debut, was acquired from San Jose along with Devin Setoguchi in June 2011 in the deal that sent defenseman Brent Burns to the Sharks. Center Matt Cullen left Friday's game in the third period after being checked head-first into the boards by Anaheim's Kyle Palmieri and did not return.
ABOUT THE COYOTES (3-4-2): Mike Smith picked up his first win of the season Saturday as he posted a 17-save shutout over his former team. It was the 20th career blanking for Smith, who was playing for the second time since missing four games with a groin injury. "It's been frustrating, having a couple of shaky starts and then getting injured," he said. "That's not the start to the season I was looking for." Left wing Raffi Torres made his season debut after serving a 21-game suspension for his hit on Chicago's Marian Hossa in last year's Stanley Cup playoffs. Torres played nearly 12 minutes and registered four shots on goal. "I'm just thankful to be back on the ice," he said. "I'm in a good spot mentally, and physically I feel like I'm in the best shape of my career."
OVERTIME
1. The Coyotes wrap up their three-game homestand Thursday against Chicago before embarking on a three-game road trip.
2. Minnesota LW Zach Parise's next goal will be the 200th of his career.
3. Phoenix LW Steve Sullivan has missed three straight games with a lower-body injury.
PREDICTION: Coyotes 4, Wild 2.