Blackhawks vs Coyotes - Preview
The Phoenix Coyotes are in the mix for first place in the Western Conference with their longest winning streak of the season as they host the Chicago Blackhawks Sat. The Coyotes (44-22-5) are the only team from the West the Blackhawks haven’t defeated this season and are looking for their eighth straight win for the first time in more than 11 years. Phoenix was tied for the conference’s second-worst record last season, but has made a comeback earning 93 points, landing right behind the Pacific-Division leading San Jose. They set a franchise record for wins in a season with 44, rising above the previous mark set by the 1984-85 Winnipeg Jets. The Coyotes haven’t made it to the playoffs since 2002 and hope to end that skid.
The Blackhawks (15-19-6) are looking to win their first division title since 1993. They’ve hit a bit of a slump, almost reaching their first four-game losing streak Thurs, but bounced back with a 3-0 win over Los Angeles. Hawks goaltender Cristobal Huet is still recovering from the flu, and while Antti Niemi only needed three saves in the second period Thursday, Phoenix might make him a little busier with the Coyote’s offense registering a season-best 46 shots Thursday. The Hawks will host the Coyotes on Tues.
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