Threatening Phoenix Coyotes ready to dominate Edmonton Oilers – NHL Preview
Judging on the basis of the performance in the month of February, Phoenix Coyotes are indeed one of the best units of the National Hockey League (NHL).
With two more games left to play in the month for Coyotes, they have earned the potential of beating even the conference leaders.
In such a scenario, Coyotes’ visit has rung alarm bells for Edmonton Oilers, who will host the former on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Here is a look at the performance of both these teams of late.
Coyotes
Coyotes have secured their place among the top eight teams of the Western Conference after winning nine out of 10 games they have played this month.
Currently on a four-game winning streak, Coyotes are ranked at seventh spot with 71 points after 61 games with the recent victories coming against Los Angeles Kings (1-0), Dallas Stars (2-1 in overtime), Los Angeles Kings (5-4 after shootout) and Calgary
Flames (4-3 after shootout).
In the last two victories, Coyotes registered comeback wins, but the players were nevertheless pleased.
Coyotes’ captain, Shane Doan, said of the victories:
"We're all smiles and happy right now because we keep finding ways to win. It might not be pretty and it might not be the way coaches have it drawn up at the beginning, but we've found ways to come back. It gives us a belief system in your game that you
know you can do it."
Oilers
Oilers have managed to play well after snapping their three-game losing streak.
They are currently on a two-game winning streak and have won five out of 10 games this month.
They have recently defeated Calgary Flames (6-1) and Philadelphia Flyers (2-0).
As the scores suggest, the defence was marvellous and if it repeats the heroics again, the Coyotes might end up losing the game.
The Oilers are ranked at 14th spot in the Western Conference with 54 points after 60 games.
Predictions
Keeping Coyotes’ recent run in mind and an impressive performance from Oilers’ defence in the last couple of victories, an exciting encounter is certainly on the cards, but Coyotes could be given a slight edge over Oilers.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams is expected to stay under six.
If Oilers win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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