Phoenix Coyotes Are On Fire
- Tuesday, March 23, 2010 4:15 PM
- Written By: Josh Marks
Question: What Western Conference team has won nine straight games as the playoffs approach for a conference-tying 97 points?
Hint: It's not the Sharks (losers of five straight), Blackhawks, Kings, Canucks, Avalanche, Predators (although they've won six straight) or the Red Wings.
Answer: The wily Coyotes are giving the competition a big cactus prickle as the financially troubled franchise from Glendale is getting hot just at the right time.
And tonight Phoenix improbably has a chance to surpass Chicago for sole position of first place in the Western Conference. And if the Flames lose in regulation and the Coyotes beat the 'Hawks, then they will clinch a playoff spot. Wow. No one saw this coming.
Chicago has lost five of its last seven games which is why coach Joe Quenneville told NHL.com this is the biggest game of the season.
The 'Hawks might have reason to worry as the Coyotes recently defeated them 5-4 at home, coming from two goals behind to claim the victory.
Streaks come and go, but Phoenix is getting hot just at the right time. While it is entirely possible the Coyotes will go ice cold when the playoffs start and this might be a fluke, I wouldn't underestimate this team.
Regardless, the game against Chicago tonight will be an interesting test to see if this team is for real and might make a playoff run.
