Phoenix Coyotes favourites to win against Columbus Blue Jackets – NHL Preview
Phoenix Coyotes have remarkably paved their way into the comfort zone of National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference after displaying marvels last month, but the start to the present month was not very convincing.
While carrying the hope of repeating the last month’s heroics once again, they are going to host the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Coyotes
Coyotes won 11 games last month and lost only one.
They ended the month on a six-game winning streak, which was snapped by Calgary Flames recently.
Coyotes conceded three goals in the first period and managed to reduce the deficit to only one goal by the end of the second period.
However, they conceded another goal in the final period and the final score settled at 4-2.
Coyotes’ coach, Dave Tippett, said after the game:
"We pushed back a little bit, but ultimately when you don't deserve to win you usually don't win. We passed to the other team instead of ours. They came in and were going to compete hard, and we just didn't put the work in to push back."
Coyotes are ranked at third spot in the Western Conference with 75 points after 64 games.
Blue Jackets
They are ranked at the bottom of the Western Conference with meagre 45 points 64 games.
Out of the last seven games, they have only won two and recently snapped a three-game skid by defeating Colorado Avalanche.
Blue Jackets scored a goal in the first period and another in the second while goaltender, Steve Mason, got his first shutout of the season.
Blue Jackets are certainly frustrated because of the poor ranking, but want to end the season on a positive note.
Columbus’ centre, Derek MacKenzie, said:
"Seeing other teams smiling, seeing other teams in pretty good playoff position, makes me mad.”
He added:
“We know that April 7 is going to be our last day and that's a crappy feeling. But if we can channel that into something positive, that is going to be our biggest asset."
Predictions
Coyotes have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Blue Jackets win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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