Phoenix Coyotes challenge the surging Calgary Flames – NHL Preview
Phoenix Coyotes have finally started displaying signs they possessed last month and thankfully for them, they are beginning to find their rhythm just at the right time.
However, they have another obstacle to clear now as they are going to face the surging Calgary Flames on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Flames are not far away from entering the comfort zone in National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference and if they keep on performing the way they are doing now, they will certainly qualify for the playoffs.
Here is a look at both teams.
Coyotes
Coyotes lost the first five games they played this month, but they are now finding their winning ways after winning two of their last three games.
They defeated Vancouver Canucks in the last game after a very close encounter.
Canucks got a two-goal lead in the first period, but Coyotes hit back in the same period and levelled the score.
Coyotes then added two more goals in the second period while conceding only one and both teams scored a goal each in the final period as Coyotes won the game.
Coyotes’ coach, Dave Tippett, said after the game:
"We didn't make it easy on ourselves to go out and spot them a 2-0 lead early. But we knew they were going to come hard (after) all the talk about days off and being rested."
Coyotes are ranked at seventh spot in the Western Conference with 81 points after 71 games.
Flames
The surging Flames are ranked at 10th spot in the Western Conference with 78 points after 70 games and are just two points behind the eighth-ranked Colorado Avalanche.
They are presently on a four-game winning streak with the victories coming against Montreal Canadiens (5-4), Winnipeg Jets (5-3), Minnesota Wild (4-3) and San Jose Sharks (3-2 in overtime).
Matt Stajan, who scored the overtime goal to give Flames victory against Sharks, said after the game:
"That's got to be one of the biggest goals of my career, and definitely as a Flame. To get the win was first and foremost. It's the best feeling, but to contribute in a big game like this and score an overtime goal, I don't think there's a way to describe
that feeling, it's unbelievable.”
Predictions
It is certainly going to be a tough encounter, but keeping Flames’ surge in mind, they can be favoured.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Coyotes win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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