Phoenix Coyotes @ San Jose Sharks - Game #40 Preview

Gosh I hate how hurried everything this time of year is. I've hardly had time to watch the Coyotes, much less write about them. In the past few weeks though our team has been a joy to watch. We've climbed up into 4th and put a few points between ourselves and those below us. And this week we could even have a chance to overtake the Sharks for the Division lead! Yeah, it's only December, but hopefully we can have analysts from coast to coast over for a nice buffet of crow soon. Let's get to the five for tonight's late away game.

Five for Winning

More Injuries
Daniel Winnik is now out of the lineup with some sort of undisclosed arm injury as he left the arena after the Kings game with his arm in a sling. He's being listed as week-to-week and was immediately put on IR. Last year this wouldn't have mattered much, but he's been huge for us on the penalty kill. On the upside Vernon FIddler could be back from his injury, but we have Kevin Porter and Jeff Hoggan up from San Antonio just in case he isn't.

Can We Finally get the Nabby/Bryz Matchup?
It seems like the last few times the teams have met on or the other has been put in for the backup. TOnight though we should get to see the Team Russia goalie battle we've all been waiting for. I don't think either will let their teams down though we'll probably see one really close game.

Hanzal Have a Four Leaf Clover?
He's been a defensive stalwart for the Coyotes this year, but the last two games he's had some flukey goals go in for him. He caught Jonas Hiller on a wobbly slapshot from the blue line and then against the Kings on Saturday he got on up and over with an assist from Rob Scuderi. Let's keep that kind of luck going!

Will We Still Have the Sharks Number?
For some reason, over the past few seasons we've been a thorn in the side of the Sharks. Even when we haven't been good we've found ways to surprise the Fins. This season we've won both meetings between the teams. A 1-0 Shootout win in San Jose and a 2-1 win in Glendale. 1 goal over 2 games for one of the better offenses in the league? Pretty nice, but we'll have hold them again to get the win as we won't win a high scoring game.

Shutdown Marleau
He's been hot lately scoring 5 goals in the last 4 games and 25 on the year. We've managed to keep him completely off the scoreboard in our meetings, but that can't last forever... can it? :D

Key Players

Lauri Korpikoski

#29 / Left Wing / Phoenix Coyotes

Height: 6-1

Weight: 195

Born: Jul 28, 1986

He's been so close on so many great moves lately. If he can connect on just one of them the others will start falling in line. He's been really strong on the penalty kill and brings good energy. I think he's due for another big game.

Joe Thornton

#19 / Center / San Jose Sharks

Height: 6-4

Weight: 235

Born: Jul 02, 1979

He's already racked up 44 assists this year and has a 7 game points/assist streak. I think we'd be the perfect team to snap said streak.

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