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Coyotes vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Radio: KFNN 1510 No local TV (Game will be on NHL Center Ice)
Puck drops at 7:00 PM (AZ Time) at the Job

Point Leaders
Blue Jackets Nash(35), Umberger(26), Vermette(26)
Coyotes Vrbata(20), Doan(20), Lombardi(19)
Goal Leaders
Blue Jackets Nash(18), Umberger(12), Huselius(11)
Coyotes Vrbata(11), Upshall(10), Doan(8)
Assists Leaders
Blue Jackets Vermette(17), Nash(17), Tyutin(16)
Coyotes Lombardi(14),Doan(12), Yandle(12)

The Coyotes and Blue Jackets meet for the second time in five days (as well as for the last time this season) in the confines of the Jobing.com arena. The Coyotes play six of the next seven games at home and are looking to build upon their so/so road trip they just finished. The last time these two teams tangled, it was a solid defensive battle….the kind that cures insomnia. However, stupid penalties aside, the two teams went to the shootout and the Coyotes prevailed.

I’m expecting the same kind of battle tonight where both teams will put on a defensive battle and the only goals scored in the game either one caused by stupid Coyotes penalties or mistakes in either teams defensive zone. When both of these teams are on, it’s going to be a tight and tough 60 minute battle.

Things to watch for (if you have Center Ice):

Anders Eriksson – The newest Coyote is probably going to be among the bottom paring defenseman and I’m curious to watch how he fits in with the Coyotes system.

Jackets Goaltending – Steve Mason got yanked the other night which means that Garon may get the start in net tonight.

Keys to the game:

Coyotes Stupid Penalties – This has been a reoccurring theme with the Coyotes and from what I’ve read, cost the Coyotes the game in Anaheim the other day thanks to two Ed Jovanovski penalties. This must stop.

60 Minutes of discipline – Two of the three with the Jackets this season have been defensive battles and the goals coming off of mental lapses of the opponents mistakes. The Coyotes need to bring that same level of intensity and discipline they had five days ago to put themselves in a chance to win this game.

Coyotes Stupid Penalties – Just stressing this point again.

Referees: Chris Lee, Tom Kowal
Linesmen: Lyle Seitz, Brad Lazarowich

Players that are out:

Blue Jackets: Derek Dorsett, Rostislav Klesla
Coyotes: Kurt Sauer