Phoenix Coyotes aim for Pacific Division title as they face St. Louis Blues – NHL Preview
The results of the National Hockey League (NHL) games played on Thursday, April 05, 2012, have cleared the playoff picture and now we know who is going to play in the postseason and who is not.
However, the fate of the Pacific Division is still not decided and the Phoenix Coyotes, who have got a strong chance to lead the division with two more games left for them in the regular season, are hoping to take a strong advantage over other teams in the
division as they face the regressing St. Louis Blues.
The Blues, who are still contending for the President’s Trophy title, are slightly out of form and will need to work really hard to get back on winning ways.
The matchup will take place on Friday, April 06, 2012, at Scottrade Center, Saint Louis, Missouri.
Here is a look at both teams.
Coyotes
They are ranked at eighth spot in the Western Conference with 93 points after 80 games and have qualified for the playoffs.
Unlike many other teams, Coyotes have two more games left in the regular season and if they win both of them, they will enter the playoffs as the Pacific Division leaders.
At present, they are on a three-game winning streak with the victories coming against San Jose Sharks (2-0), Anaheim Ducks (4-0) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2-0).
As the scores suggest, Coyotes have been performing remarkably well on defence as goaltender, Mike Smith, has earned three straight shutouts.
He said after the game:
"It was great that this run came at home and everyone could share in it. It's been an honour to play in front of our fans and fun to play in the desert this year. Now we'll take it on the road and see what happens."
Blues
They are ranked at second spot in the Western Conference with 107 points after 80 games. Blues also have two more games to play in the regular season and if they win both of them, they could clinch the President’s Trophy title.
However, they are regressing fast at the moment and are on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Chicago Blackhawks (4-3 after shutout), Blue Jackets (5-2) and Detroit Red Wings (3-2 after shutout).
Blues, however, have the potential to end the skid and get back to winning ways and that’s why an interesting game is certainly on the cards.
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