Coyotes at Flames
The Phoenix Coyotes wrap up their three-game road trip Friday, when they take on the Calgary Flames. Phoenix began its trek with a 2-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, which halted its six-game point streak (4-0-2). The Coyotes followed up with a 3-1 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday and enter Friday just two points behind the eighth-place Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference.
Calgary has lost six of its last seven contests, including a 4-1 loss to Vancouver on Wednesday. The Flames have no hope for a playoff berth as they are tied with the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers for last place in the league with 32 points apiece. Calgary and Phoenix split their first two meetings this season, with the Coyotes posting a 4-0 victory at home on Feb. 18 and the Flames skating to a 5-4 triumph in their own building six days later.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Plus Arizona (Phoenix), Rogers Sportsnet West (Calgary)
ABOUT THE COYOTES (18-16-6): Mike Smith has been sensational since returning from an upper-body injury. The goaltender is 2-1-0 with a shutout in three starts, allowing a total of two goals on 95 shots. Center Boyd Gordon scored his fourth goal in the win over Edmonton. All four of his tallies have come over his last eight games. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek returned to action Wednesday after missing 14 games with a broken foot.
ABOUT THE FLAMES (14-21-4): Miikka Kiprusoff skipped Thursday's practice due to some bumps and bruises but is expected to serve as a backup on Friday as Joey MacDonald will get the call. "He was bruised a little bit, so we'll call it a maintenance day, a rest day," coach Bob Hartley said. "He's going to be backing up (tomorrow)." A pair of veterans are ready to return as Jiri Hudler and Steve Begin figure to be in the lineup after getting hit in the neck early in Wednesday's contest.
OVERTIME
1. Phoenix has won only two of its last 10 road games.
2. Calgary has earned at least one point in five of the last six meetings (3-1-2).
3. The home team has captured 10 of the last 14 games in the all-time series.
PREDICTION: Coyotes 4, Flames 2