Phoenix Coyotes Hockey on AZ Vibe

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Montreal Canadiens
Jobing.com Arena – 7:00 PM (AZ Time)

After a 4 day break, the Phoenix Coyotes are back in action tonight. at home, against the sometimes trainwreck that is the Montreal Canadiens. For years this team has lacked any sort of consistency in their play on both ends of the ice. Last year and into this year the Canadiens in their defensive end have hung media whipping boy Carey Price out to dry. From the games I’ve seen this season and looking over their defensive stats this trend of hanging Carey Price out to dry has continued into this season. At 8-10-0 so far this season, there’s no telling what version of the Canadiens will show up tonight.

The Canadiens, even with their injuries, have a pretty talented team this season. However, as we’re seeing across the NHL the key to winning this season is discipline and consistent effort for 60 minutes. The Canadiens/Leafs game Halloween night on Hockey Night in Canada is an example of what can happen. The Canadiens built up a 3-1 lead and they let the Maple Leafs back into the game and to overtime. The Habs eventually won in the shootout but that should have never happened.

This also shows people that for many teams in the Eastern Conference, playing defense is merely a suggestion as the Canadiens stats show.

Things to watch for:

1) Habs Defense – Will they hang Price out to dry or will they actually play defense tonight?
2) Plekanec/Cammelleri – These two players make up the bulk of the Habs scoring. Expect they to be covered by the Coyotes…especially, Cammerlleri. If you give Cammerlleri any room, he’s gonna own you.

Keys for the game

1) Offensive Zone Play – The Habs are horrid on defense and the Coyotes need to take advantage of that. Hit them, get under their skin….anything to get them off their games.
2) STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX – ::sigh::
3) Discipline – The Habs are a beatable team and the Coyotes need to keep this mindset for 60 minutes. Score early and score often. Don’t give them any room to do anything.

Injuries

Coyotes: Jovocop, Zbynek Michalek, and Kurt Sauer

Canadiens: Matt D’Agostini, Hal Gill, Georges Laraque, Andre Markov, Ryan O’Byrne, and Glen Metropolit

Officials:
Referees: Rob Martell, and Tom Kowal
Linesmen: Shane Heyer and Pierre Racicot

Game notes:

-Carey Price gets the start in net for the Habs
- The Coyotes last four days off is the last time they’re going to have a break like this until after the February Olympic break.
- 46 players have played for both the Coyotes and Canadiens in their Careers.