 |
|
|
| Phoenix Coyotes | Anaheim Ducks |
Location: Honda Center
Start Time: 6:00 p.m. MST
TV: None, nada, Nil-set, not even on CI.
Radio: 1510 AM
Opposition Blog (If you must...): Battle of California
Hey hey! No TV at all tonight! That's just awesome. Why would we want to see a game in which the opposing teams beat the crap out of each other earlier in the year? Not only that but they're division rivals. No one would want to watch that right? Did I meantion that they're tied in the standings? Well they are, and not just in points, but in every consievable way. Just great. Not that I don't love that old timey feeling of sitting around the radio, but well, I don't. I guess I should preview the game anyways even though no one will be able to see it! (Can you tell this angers me? Just checking...)
The good guys visit the Honda Center tonight in a very important mid-season game. Both teams are currently tied in points with 43 a piece and have the exact same record at 19-15-5. Phoenix has gone 5-2-3 in thier last 10, while Anaheim has gone 3-5-2 over the same stretch. Phoenix won the only other matchup so far this year winning 4-2 back in October.
Keys of the Game:
Is Bryz back at 100%?: Bryz will get the start tonight in goal after sitting out the last two with some back problems. Hopefully they didn't rush him back and he's at 100%. On the occasions when he's played at all hurt he hasn't looked even close to the Bryzzie that we're used to, so we'll know early on how he's doing.
Shore up the D: Our offense was able to generate 5 goals last game, Even if it was against the Islanders, but our defense almost let them climb all the way back. Apperently we need to learn how to play with the lead. We got up 4-1 and then they just made our back lines look silly in the 3rd. Figure it out guys, because a better team will make you pay for that.
No "Special" Special Teams: Our power play hasn't converted in the last couple of games, but they've certainly shown improvement. They've gained the zone much easier, kept the puck in for extended periods of time and generated chances even if they haven't been able to convert. That's a heck of a lot better than the Colorado game where 5 on 3 they could hardly get the puck past the blue line. Keep this up and the goals will come.
Injury Reports:
Phoenix isn't missing anyone to injury, but again Bryz has missed the last two with a sore back.
Anaheim is still without Teemu Selane after that leg injury after being cut by his own skate. Cory Perry is out with a 4 game suspension after elbowing Philly's Claude Giroux in the 3rd Period of Friday's game.