Detroit Red Wings ready to dominate Phoenix Coyotes – NHL Preview
Detroit Red Wings are aiming to stretch their winning streak to five games as they travel to play the lowly Phoenix Coyotes in the National Hockey League (NHL) game on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Jobing.com Arena.
Three out of their last four victories were decided in shootouts. On Tuesday, January 17, they defeated Dallas Stars (3-2), thanks to Jiri Hudler’s goal in the regulation to tie the game, and one in the shootout.
The Red Wings have a strong chance to reach the playoffs as they have got 61 points after playing 46 games and are ranked at fourth position in the NHL Western Conference.
Detroit’s goalie, Jimmy Howard, has urged his teammates to continue their winning run and warned them against getting complacent.
"The Central (Division) is tight and it's probably going to be like this until the final weekend," he said. "We've got to get points every single night to try to separate ourselves. Everyone understands the urgency we need to play with."
On the other hand, the Coyotes are having miserable time this season. They have played 47 games and are placed at the 11th spot in the NHL Western Conference after 49 points.
They have failed to win more than three games in a row whereas their losing streak has stretched to as long as four games.
Out of their last eight games, they have only won two and are in need of serious reshaping.
Their recent loss has added to their worries. They were crushed by Anaheim Ducks (6-2) after getting early lead.
In the first period, the Coyotes grabbed a lead after scoring the first goal of the game, but the Ducks scored two goals in the period to push them back.
The Coyotes scored another goal in the second period, but the Ducks scored two goals sin the same and the next period respectively to rattle the opponents’ hope.
Coyotes’ captain, Shane Doan, wants his side to win and thinks that the team still has got a chance to reach the playoffs.
"We've got to take care of business now," he said. "We've managed to stay around .500 but we know we could be much better than that. We've got to make sure we make some hay and go after it."
Coyotes’ victory over the Red Wings is unlikely, but the possibility of an upset cannot be ignored.
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