Phoenix Coyotes at Florida Panthers - Game #71 Preview - Finish It!

The Phoenix Coyotes wrap up their 4 game Southeast Division road trip tonight against the Florida Panthers. The road tip has been a great one so far, with the Coyotes going 3-0-0 and winning in different ways each night. The Panthers are going to be a hungry team though as they are still trying to climb back into the playoff race with just a dozen games left. The Coyotes on the other hand are seeing how far they can take this winning streak. If they can push it far enough there's a chance they could catch the Sharks for the Pacific Division crown. 

The Panthers are coming off a really rough game losing 7-3 to the Capitals. It wasn't a pretty game as the scoreboard can tell you, but you can bet the Cats are looking to bounce back and put that game behind them. One thing they should have going for them is Nathan Horton is expected to return to the lineup after being out for the past 9 games with a fractured tibia. Horton is second in scoring on the team and has been missed.

The Coyotes took down the Lightning on Tuesday in a hard fought defensive game. They outlasted the Bolts to win the 6th straight game since the trade deadline. While the season might not be on the line, the Coyotes could use the game to get some separation from Colorado and Los Angeles to lock up Home ice in the playoffs.

Starting Goaltenders

Of course the big guy gets the start. He continues to impress and really should have more buzz around him about the possibility of getting the Vezina. Ryan Miller's been great, but it should be a lot closer than most have made it out to be.

Vokoun had a rough outing against the Caps getting chased from the net after giving up 5 through the first half of the game. The Panthers will have to go with him again though as he's the one that's gotten them to this point to be even sniffing the playoffs.

KEY PLAYERS

Lee "Desert Ninja" Stempniak

#22 / Right Wing / Phoenix Coyotes

Height: 6-0

Weight: 195

Born: Feb 04, 1983

Like I said, I'll pick someone else when Lee Stempniak loses it. He's riding a 6 game points streak with 6-2-8 in 6 games and a +8. Ninja power!

Steven Reinprecht

#27 / Center / Florida Panthers

Height: 6-0

Weight: 195

Born: May 07, 1976

A former Coyote, Rhino is third on the Panthers in scoring and first in team plus minus at a +8. He may not be flashy, but he finds ways to make things happen either on his own or by setting up his teammates.

THE INFIRMARY