Phoenix Coyotes vs Carolina Hurricanes RBC Center – Raleig, North Carolina Puck Drops at 5:00 PM AZ Time TV: NHL Center Ice – No local TV Radio: XTRA 910

The Coyotes head back east to meet one of the hottest teams in the NHL in the Carolina Hurricanes.  However, you couldn’t tell that from their record.  As of today, the Hurricanes are 13th in the Eastern Conference (out of 15 teams) with a 28-31-8 record.  Fortunately for them, there is so much parity in the Eastern Conference (as well as the NHL), they still have a shot at making the playoffs (a slim one but they still can make the playoffs).  The first part of the season was a nightmare for the Hurricanes where they only managed to win TWO games in their first eighteen.  This along with amassing 255 man games to injuries of key players, pretty much set their season into a tail spin.

The Hurricanes have managed to turn the proverbial ship around and as of January 21st 2010 they are almost 100% healthy. In addition, the Hurricanes have an amazing 14 – 4 – 1 record since January 21 which includes 8 consecutive wins at home.  Add the Hurricanes 1-2 punch in net of Manny Legace and Just in Peters (Starting Goaltender Cam Ward is out of the lineup with a back issue.  He is listed as ‘Day to Day’).

I watched some of their previous games since the majority of the roster has come back from injury (I love you NHL Gamecenter).  Don’t let the Hurricanes season statistics fool you they are a very potent roster.

The Coyotes are coming off one of their sloppiest defensive efforts of the season….even though they won.  It was fortunate for the Coyotes that the Vancouver Canucks weren’t exactly sharp as well in their defensive end as well.

The Coyotes are starting to show signs that they can and will take their games to the next level with the depth they have added to the lineup at the trade deadline.  The next four games will be a great test for the Coyotes to build on their successes as well as trying new things in their offensive game.

Game Notes

- The Coyotes four game road trip will take them through Southeast Division teams  (Hurricanes, Thrashers, Lightning, and the Panthers)

- Since the Coyotes will be playing in Atlanta tomorrow, it is unknown who tonight’s starting Goaltender will be

- Eleven of the last 15 Coyotes games this season will be on the road

- In their last 2 meetings, the Hurricanes have outscored the Coyotes 12 – 4 dating back to 2008.

- Game will be available on NHL Center Ice

- Hurricanes goaltender Manny Legace will more than likely get the start in net tonight against the Coyotes

- Hurricanes Forwards Chad LaRose and Tuomo Ruutu are both one point shy of 100 career points.

- Coyotes newly acquired defenseman Mathieu Schneider is still listed as Day to Day with a Knee injury.

Things to watch for:

The Hurricanes offense vs the Coyotes Defense: You guys have to watch how potent this team is when they’re ‘on’.  They’re extremely fun to watch and will be a great game.  If the Coyotes bring their ‘Z’ game like they did with the Canucks, it may be a LONG night again.

Keys to the game:

Coyotes Power/Offensive Zone Play needs to start clicking: I know it’s only been a few games since the Coyotes acquired their new players.  Their play in the Offensive zone has finally shown signs of life.  They just need to keep building on it.

Keep the Hurricanes top two lines off the board: This Hurricanes team has some awesome firepower when they’re healthy.  The emergence of Jussi Jokinen as a major scoring threat in the NHL this season is something the Coyotes are no doubt going to hone in on.

Secondary Coyotes Scoring: Pyatt and Fiddler were amazing against the Canucks.  THIS is what the Coyotes need from here on out….players who can and will step up to take control of the game.

Officials:

Referees – Eric Furlatt #27; Kyle Rehman #37
Linesmen – Andy McElman #90; Derek Nansen #70

Injuries/Scratches:

Coyotes: Kurt Sauer(IR), Scottie Upshall(IR), Robert Lang(Day to Day), Mathieu Schneider(Day to Day)
Hurricanes:Cam Ward (Day to Day – Back)