Phoenix Coyotes Hockey on AZ Vibe

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

Last five games:
Rangers: 1 – 4 – 0
Coyotes: 3 – 2 – 0
Last ten games:
Rangers: 3 – 6 – 1
Coyotes: 5 – 4 – 1

The New York Rangers and the Phoenix Coyotes meet for the second time this season. These two teams last met on October 26th where the Rangers walloped the Coyotes 5-2 at Madison Square Garden.  At the time, the Rangers were a wrecking machine and had some very early buzz about going deep into the playoffs this year.

Tonight will be the last of a two game home stand for the Coyotes as they will head out on the road again for an extended road trip which starts in Dallas tomorrow night.   Also, the team will honor the first true Phoenix Coyotes legend as they induct defenseman Teppo Numminen into the Ring of Honor before tonight’s game.

The Rangers have gone into a sort of transformation since the last time the two teams met at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2009…..a transformation for the worse.  The Rangers have only won twice in the past eight games and don’t look like they are turning things around anytime soon.

When looking at the video of the Rangers past four games, there are many problems/weaknesses/issues that stick out like a sore thumb.  The biggest thing that sticks out is that the Rangers really aren’t putting forth the effort to win.  They’re not taking the extra steps and doing the little things needed to win no matter what the situation.  It’s like they’re playing but they don’t want to put forth the effort to do anything positive.  It’s like watching a team of individuals instead of the ‘team’ that they were at the beginning of the season.

On paper, the Rangers have the talent to win.  In reality, they’re doing everything but that.

I can now see why Rangers Fans are taking measure such as this (must have a Facebook account to view):

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=272851463916&ref=ts

….to let Rangers ownership know that they’re tired of  how this team is being run.

How bad has this Rangers team sunk?  Lets take a look at the offensive output of the Rangers top seven scorers (in order of points) for the last four games:

Marian Gaborik – Zero points
Vinny Prospal – One assist
Ryan Callahan – One Goal
Brandon Dubinski – Zero points
Michael Del Zotto – Zero points
Ales Kotalik – Zero points (Did not dress for three of the four games as it looked like he was scratched for many games)
Chris Drury – Zero points

When it comes to the Coyotes, this is one of these games that they can win.  However, they need to keep up the effort from the previous game with the Flames to come out and shut the Rangers down…..hard.  From the looks of things, the Rangers really don’t have many scoring threats after their top seven scorers.  The Rangers just aren’t balanced in the scoring (or effort) department like the Coyotes are.

This game isn’t an excuse to take the foot off the gas pedal.  Its more of an excuse to floor it and make the Rangers roadkill.

Things to keep an eye on:

The Rangers:  Are they going to float around again or are they going to come out like they did at the beginning of the season and put the hurt on people?

The Pre Game Ceremony inducting Teppo Numminen into the Coyotes Ring of Honor – This is one of these events that all Coyotes fans should watch.  It’s a special night that doesn’t come around too often.

Keys to the game:

- Forecheck the ‘H’-'E’-'Double hockey sticks’ out of the Rangers -Since the Rangers are playing so aloofly, putting on some intensive forechecking has shown the Rangers to get flustered when attempting to move the puck out of their defensive zone in transition.

Work Lunqvist’s stick side from long range and his glove side short range

Coyotes defensive discipline – The last thing the Coyotes need is a relapse of the Red Wings game defensively.  The Coyotes can shut the Rangers down.  However, the Coyotes have to play smart hockey to win.

Game Notes

- According to the Coyotes, Jason LaBarbera will get the start in goal tonight for the Coyotes

- Mikkel Bodeker was recalled from San Antonio to fill Scottie Upshall’s injury spot on the roster

- No word yet on how long Scottie Upshall is out for.

Injuries:

Rangers: None

Coyotes: Kurt Sauer, Scottie Upshall

Officials:
Referees #15 Stephane Auger; #28 Chris Lee
Linesmen #74 Lonnie Cameron; #77 Tim Nowak