Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings - Game 5 Preview - Must Win?

So after taking a couple days off these two teams go back at it again tonight at Jobing.com arena. The Red Wings managed to win what was a tight game for 55 minutes or more 3-0 in Detroit to keep the series even. Jimmy Howard Spun on his Melon (See Also: Stood on head) to steal the game. That being said the Coyotes also made it fairly easy for him taking low quality shots even though they spent a ton of time trying to set them up. There were a few really nice stops, but in general just nothing good enough to challenge him all night.

At the other end Ilya Bryzgalov will have to forget what his defense did to him in the final minutes of game 4. While the team did need to push offensively to tie up the game, that doesn't do a whole lot of good when your guys hang you out to dry. The D just got lazy getting back and helped the Wings burn the goalie. Not okay any time, but especially not in the playoffs. 

Still no official word on Shane Doan's status tonight. It'd be big if he can play and be effective, but he also shouldn't play just to play. If there's anything worse than not playing Doan it's playing a Doan that can't hit anyone because it's harder on him than the target. He's still a "gametime decision". One thing that we do know is that Tippett does plan on starting with 7 defensemen tonight. Mathieu Schneider will be in so that we can hopefully get the Power Play running at least somewhat effectively. 

Starting Goalies

Was solid until the D left him late in the game. He still insists that the first goal was tipped with a high stick. I'm not too worried about his performance. 

I fail to understand what the deal is with our team not doing the right things against Howard. In games 1 and three, heck, even the game 3 loss where we had 4 goals, it was pretty clear how to beat him. 2 things: Go high-mid stick side or low off the pads and bang away for the rebounds. That is how you win games.

Key Players

Lee "Desert Ninja" Stempniak

#22 / Right Wing / Phoenix Coyotes

Height: 6-0

Weight: 195

Born: Feb 04, 1983

After his wild start here in the valley he's dropped off in the Playoffs. Likely due, at least in part, to having his line constantly changed around. Fiddler was out, then Doan, so he got moved up on the wing with Lombardi and Wolski. We need that Pyatt - Fiddler - Stampniak line back rolling. 

Drew Miller

#20 / Left Wing / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 6-2

Weight: 178

Born: Feb 17, 1984

I have to say, I don't really know much about the guy, but it seems like everyone he plays against gets him chirping about something. Mostly Vernon Fiddler though. Maybe tonight is when he gets his teeth punched in. 

The Infirmary