Phoenix Coyotes could win Pacific Division title as they face Minnesota Wild – NHL Preview
With their defence performing at its best, the Phoenix Coyotes are all set to clinch the National Hockey League (NHL) Pacific Division title as they only need one victory to achieve the honour.
Coyotes are going to face the Minnesota Wild, who are already eliminated from the playoff contention and Coyotes have strong chance of defeated the Wild.
The matchup will take place on Saturday, April 07, 2012, at Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Here is a look at both teams.
Coyotes
They are leading the Pacific Division and ranked at third spot in the Western Conference with 95 points after 81 games. If Coyotes defeat Wild, they will enter the playoffs as the Pacific Division leaders, which is very much possible keeping their recent
form in mind.
At present, Coyotes are on a four-game winning streak with the victories coming against San Jose Sharks (2-0), Anaheim Ducks (4-0), Columbus Blue Jackets (2-0) and St. Louis Blues (4-1).
Coyotes’ goaltender, Mike Smith, who recorded three straight shutouts, made 31 saves in the victory against Blues. Coyotes’ captain, Shane Doan, said of his goalie:
"He's been so big for us. We haven't played so well in the last three games. We wanted to give him a little break. It was nice to give him more than one goal to work with."
Wild
They are already eliminated from the playoff contention and are ranked at 12th spot in the Western Conference with 81 points after 81 games.
They have won four of their last five games with the recent victory coming against another playoff team, Chicago Blackhawks.
The Wild were one goal down in the first period, but after trying throughout the game, they eventually managed to provide the equaliser in the final period forcing, the game to overtime.
Wild and Blackhawks were unable to score in the overtime and shootout was called. In the shootout, Wild scored a goal to win the game.
Despite being out of the playoffs, Wild’ coach, Mike Yeo, is proud of his team. He said:
"It's a team that doesn't quit."
Predictions
Coyotes have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Wild win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
Tags: