Coyotes vs. New York Islanders
Jobing.com Arena – Glendale, AZ
Puck Drops at 6:00PM Arizona Time
TV: FSN AZ – RADIO: XTRA 910

Last five games:
Islanders: 3 – 1 – 1
Coyotes: 2 – 2 – 1
Last ten games:
Islanders: 5 – 4 – 1
Coyotes: 5 – 3 – 2

The Coyotes come back from their quick western Canadian road trip to open a six game home stand against the New York Islanders tonight at the Job.  After a game in Vancouver that everyone would like to forget, the Coyotes are back in the confines of their home against one of the more surprising teams in the NHL this season.

At the start of this season the Islanders, on paper, looked like a perennial cellar dwelling team on course for another lottery pick this season.   However, Islanders head coach Scott Gordon has this team performing at a level that no one expected.  The Islanders are led by the amazing skill set of true rookie John Tavares, who at times looks like a highly skilled veteran when he’s got room to operate, and Veteran goaltender Dwayne Roloson who looks like he’s re-captured his 2006 Stanley Cup playoff run of amazing netminding.

The Coyotes are looking to get back on the winning track after splitting their road trip at 1-1-0.  Even though the roster is just about 100%, the game speed of those who came off of being injured isn’t quite 100% as of yet.  It’s going to take them a few games for them to get back to their normal ass kicking ways.

This is going to be a close battle but if the Coyotes can get their awesome defense clicking, the advantage will swing in the direction of the home team.  These are basically kids that the Coyotes are playing tonight so a few extra checks here and there might send a message that this is the Coyotes house and the Islanders aren’t gonna be taken lightly.

Things to keep an eye on:

Dwayne Roloson – He seemed to have found the fountain of youth on Long Island.  One might wonder if he’s been drinking water from the East River.  When Roloson is on his game, he can be extremely tough to beat.  However, if an opponent gets under his skin, he crumbles like a cookie.

Islanders Forwards – They may be no-names to Coyotes fans but when they’re on, they’re really fun to watch.

The Islanders – They are in the second game of a back to back schedule after playing last night in Dallas.  The Islanders are 2-7 this season in the second of back to back games.

Keys to the game:

Forget the Canucks game – It was just one of those games that just need to be put in the ‘past tense’ bin and just forgotten.  This is a new day and a new game.  The Coyotes are an extremely talented team and are on the verge of just clicking on all cylinders.

Shut down the Islanders forwards – Some of the forwards on the Islanders roster may not have the experience of a full year or more under their belts.  However, they are very skilled and should not be given the room to move in their offensive zone.

Get to Roloson – As stated above, when Roloson is on his game he’s virtually unstoppable.  However, if the Coyotes can get under his skin by smack talk or blocking his view while shots are being taken at Roloson, he will get mad and lose his composure.

Notes/Subplots to the story:

- Oft injured Rick DiPietro has returned to the Islanders lineup for the first time in many, many moons.  DiPietro started last night in a loss against the Dallas Stars.

- Expecting Dwayne Roloson to start – This is just speculation as he has clearly been the Islanders #1 Goaltender this year.  His last start was January 6th in a win against the Colorado Avalanche.

- Foward Kevin Porter was sent back to San Antonio yesterday.

Injuries:

Islanders: Tim Jackman(face), Sean Bergenheim(rib), Radek Martinek(knee)

Coyotes: Kurt Sauer, Scottie Upshall

Officials:

Referees: #10 Paul Devorski; #43 Brian Pochmara

Linesmen: #65 Pierre Racicot; #78 Brian Mach