Something has to give on Thursday evening in Glendale when the Phoenix Coyotes and Minnesota Wild. Both teams who have struggled lately will meet up. The Wild are clinging to faint playoff hopes, while the Yotes hoping to avoid being in the same position in a couple of weeks time. On paper this game is the easiest of the three games in the Coyotes upcoming home stand. Of course, on paper Phoenix should have beaten the Columbus Blue Jackets at least twice this season. The Wild are dealing with a slew of injuries as well as trade deadline moves that appeared to hurt their blueline. The Coyotes have no excuses in this one. They need to come out and dominate a team short of NHL bodies and confidence.
Five For Winning
1. Score early in the 1st period. The Yotes badly need some confidence. An early goal would help.
2. Don't give up multiple goals in the 1st period. Not rocket science this one.
3. Limit odd man breaks and turnovers. As seemingly everyone has said over the past few days mistakes are killing Phoenix right now.
4. Special teams. The Wild's power play is almost as bad the Yotes. The Dogs need to make sure at minimum the special teams numbers stay even. If the Coyotes aren't going to score on the man advantage they need to make sure the Wild do the same.
5. Bring energy for 60 minutes. This is where a guy like Kyle Chipchura is missed most. This also relates to #2. The team has to find a way to engaged earlier in games.
Key Players
The Coyotes need to score goals right now and there has been no one better at doing that this season than Vrby. He hasn't scored a goal in the last 7 games. He's due.
The former Sharks buried the puck a fair amount against the Yotes back when he was in San Jose. He had a goal for the Wild in the game in Glendale last December and he's the most skilled forward on the Minnesota roster.
Likely Starting Goalies
Smith should feel rested after his brief appearance in Tuesday nights tilt in Columbus. While his GAA has gone up recently his play, minus his wandering outside the trapezoid, has been steady. The problem has been the defensive breakdowns, turnovers, and odd man rushes his teammates has been creating.
We're not certain whether Wild coach Mike Yeo will go with Harding youngster Matt Hackett on Thursday. Hackett started the Wild's game in Colorado on Tuesday, but was pulled after giving up 4 goals. He was replaced by Harding. Harding has played a bit more than expected this season due to Niklas Backstrom's groin issues.
Update (3/8/12 12:00pm) : Jason Labarbera will start for the Coyotes. Wild beat writer Michael Russo is reporting Harding will start.
Injuries
For more information head over to Hockey Wilderness.
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