Phoenix Coyotes seek revenge as they take on Columbus Blue Jackets – NHL Preview
On paper, it seems an easy assignment for Phoenix Coyotes to play against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio.
But here is what makes this encounter interesting: Coyotes are ranked in the comfort zone, but have failed to win any game this month, while the Blue Jackets, who are very far from the safe zone, have won all the games they have played this month.
Other than that, the last encounter between these teams saw Blue Jackets winning the game.
Let’s have a look at the recent performance of both these teams.
Coyotes
Coyotes only lost one out of 12 games played last month, but they have not won any game this month and lost against Calgary Flames (4-2), Blue Jackets (5-2) and Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1).
Coyotes’ captain, Shane Doan, said of the team’s situation after the last game:
"We've been chasing the game every single night for the last four or five, and the last three have cost us. We felt we controlled the game for most of the game. We wanted to get our game turned around, we weren't happy with our last two games at all, and
tonight we played closer to what we need to."
Coyotes are ranked at seventh spot in the Western Conference with 75 points after 66 games.
Blue Jackets
They are placed at the bottom of the Western Conference with 47 points after 65 games.
They must be feeling confident as they are on a two-game winning streak with one victory coming against Coyotes. The other one came against Colorado Avalanche (2-0).
In their last game, Blue Jackets travelled to play against Coyotes and got the lead in the first period.
By the end of second period, both teams were tied, 2-2, but Blue Jackets scored three goals in the final without giving away any to seal the victory.
The goal for Columbus is clear. As Derick Brassard puts it:
"Everyone knows we’re out of the playoffs, but we've set goals for ourselves for these last 18 games.”
He added:
“We're trying to get ready for next season and try to finish the season strong."
Predictions
Even though Coyotes are slumping, they have a slight edge over Blue Jackets.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
If Blue Jackets win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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