Coyotes / Thrashers Preview – Who schedules these games so early!?!?!?
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Phoenix Coyotes vs Atlanta ThrashersPhillips Arena – Atlanta, Georgia
Puck Drops at 2:00 PM AZ Time
TV: NHL Center Ice – No local TV Radio: XTRA 910 |
Last five games:
Thrashers: 0 – 5 – 0
Coyotes: 4 – 1 – 0
Last ten games:
Thrashers: 3 – 5 – 2
Coyotes: 6 – 4 – 0
Record when scoring the first goal:
Thrashers: 10 – 23 – 5
Coyotes: 31 – 3 – 2
| Point Leaders | |
| Thrashers | Antropov(55), Afinogenov(50), Peverley(49) |
| Coyotes | Wolski(50), Doan(49), Lombardi(43) |
| Goal Leaders | |
| Thrashers | Afinogenov(20), Peverly(19), Bergfors(19) |
| Coyotes | Vrbata(21), Wolski(19), Stempniak(19) |
| Assists Leaders | |
| Thrashers | Antropov(38), Enstrom(37), Kubina(30) |
| Coyotes | Doan(32),Wolski(31), Lombardi(29) |
The Coyotes won’t get any rest after a dominating performance last night in Raleigh as they play this afternoon in Atlanta against the thrashers. Atlanta is another one of those teams (like the Hurricanes) that have a record that doesn’t imply that they can still make the playoffs, yet they are. The Thrashers are currently on a five game losing streak and don’t seem to be coming out of the tail spin any time soon.
The Coyotes have a chance to play the part of the roster that doesn’t see too much ice time don’t be surprised to see LaBarbera, Bissonnette, or Schneider in the lineup this afternoon.
This game is an opportunity for the Coyotes to be able to cement their offensive chemistry further as the Thrashers don’t seem to be interested in moving up in the playoff ladder. The Thrashers have talent, that’s for sure. However, can the they put it together and give the Coyotes a challenge?
Game Notes
- According to the Coyotes, backup goaltender Jason LaBarbera will get the start in net tonight
- Coyotes TV and Radio man Tyson Nash is reporting that Petr Prucha will be a healthy scratch and Greg Bissonnette will see action tonight.
Things to watch for:
Atlanta Thrashers: will they challenge the Coyotes tonight or will they continue on their downward spiral?
Mathieu Schneider: will we see him in the lineup tonight?
Keys to the game:
Coyotes Power/Offensive Zone Play needs keep clicking: Their play in the Offensive zone has finally shown signs of life. They just need to keep building on it. Playing against a struggling team like the Thrashers can only help this.
Don’t take the Thrashers lightly: There’s been too many times this season where the Coyotes didn’t take teams that had worse record than them seriously. These teams brought their ‘A’ games against the Coyotes and beat the desert dogs in the process. Atlanta is another one of those teams that the Coyotes can’t take lightly.
Secondary Coyotes Scoring: Pyatt and Fiddler have been amazing the past few games. 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 – Kerry Fraser (2), Wes McCauley(4)
Linesmen – Pierre Racicot (65), Andy McElman (93)
Injuries/Scratches:
Coyotes: Kurt Sauer(IR), Scottie Upshall(IR), Robert Lang(Day to Day), Mathieu Schneider(Day to Day)
Thrashers:Evander Kane (Foot), Christoph Schubert (Hip), Boris Valabik (Knee), Zach Bogosian
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