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Phoenix Coyotes' Jason LaBarbera WILL NOT BE IN GOAL TONIGHT. Yesssss.

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I won't mention that one3 game that one night because IT NEVER HAPPENED! Jason LaBarbera WAS NEVER IN GOAL (Obviously). We never played. Neither did any other supposed team that played in the alleged game. I will say this though, we haven't looked like a playoff team the past few games. It's not like the teams we've faced (Outside of Vancouver) have been playing all that well either, but we've come out on the short end. On to hockey that will happen...

Tonight should be one defensive game. Or at least we can hope it is. We've been getting out of our system and some of our players haven't been playing up to their potential. We've been allowing way too many goals and we don't score enough to get away with that. That's pretty much what it boils down to. Anyhow...

Five for Winning

Shutout Record Shmutout Record...
It will take some doing, but the Coyotes need to forget that they're playing against Martin Brodeur. That's not an easy thing to do when you're playing against one of the best goalies of all time, but If you let that fact get into your head early then by the time you've woken up to the fact that even great goalies can be scored on and lose a game it's already over.

Get Back to What Got You Here
The biggest problem is that at least some on the team seem to have forgotten the play that got them to where they are. They have to get back to playing solid defense. Too many times we've seen players just standing around watching the opposition play develop. We need to attack and go after guys. Don't be reckless about it or anything, but hit hit hit.

No Barbies
One thing we have learned from the game that shall not be named is that Barbie is only good for 1 game or part of 1 game and then you can't play him again for a while. Luckily we get Ilya Bryzgalov back for tonight's game. While that's an improvement, he's given up 4 goals in an awful lot of games lately. (See defensive issues too) 

Is It a Trap?
That's what everyone keeps saying we're playing now. Well if so we'll have exactly the team to compare it to. Jacques Lemaire is the trap master so we'll either see ourselves in the mirror, or this could be one slow game with lots of neutral zone play.

Score Goals When You Don't HAVE to Have Them
While the Coyotes have demonstrated that they can get goals when they need them, one thing they rarely do is score them when they don't. Either they're trying to come from behind or holding off on a one goal lead. We need to get the offense thinking about getting enough to put the game away and keep our foot on the gas. It's asking a lot, but we need to do all that while fixing our other defensive issues too.

Key Players

Petr Prucha

#16 / Left Wing / Phoenix Coyotes

Height: 6-0

Weight: 175

Born: Sep 14, 1982

Petr Prucha has been one of the most active players on the ice lately. While he may not be converting scoring chances, he works hard to create turnovers, is grinding on the boards and is willing to take a hit to make the necessary play.

Brian Rolston

#12 / Left Wing / New Jersey Devils

Height: 6-2

Weight: 214

Born: Feb 21, 1973

Rolston hasn't scored in 10 games and has 1 assist in those same 10. Let's not allow him to break that streak. NJ has enough other guys that can score.

The Infirmary