Radim Vrbata

Going into the Thursday opener between Chicago and Phoenix, most analysts were split on their predictions. Several pointed out that the Coyotes had owned the season series between the two, 3-1; but just as many acknowledged that those games were not some of the Blackhawks' best hockey of the year. Mike Smith has been the difference-maker for Phoenix, while the Chicago goalies have had their share of struggles.

At the end of the day, however, these two teams have always battled strongly against one another, their different styles making for some interesting games.

After four high-paced opening minutes, Chicago captain Jonathan Toews put the first goal of the night...

Detroit Red Wings steal their 13th consecutive home game from the Phoenix Coyotes!

First Period: The Wings came out strong at the start of the period. It took 9 minutes of playing before a goal was made. Phoenix was the one to steal the first goal, which was scored by Vrbata. After Vrbata’s goal, the Wings seemed to have a rough second half of the period. The last couple minutes had good pressure from the Wings though. With only 51 seconds left of the first, the Wings finally got a shot past Smith. Filppula made a beautiful goal with an assist from White. The period ended at a 1 to 1 tie. SOG: 13 Detroit vs 9 Phoenix.

Second Period: The...

After having enjoyed more overall success in earlier weeks, the Phoenix Coyotes are struggling to find consistency and have split their last ten games, which includes a monster stretch of four games in six nights. They face Anaheim for already the third time this season, having had the upper hand in both meetings so far with wins of 5-4 and 4-2, exactly one month apart.

The Ducks, like the Coyotes, have dropped their last two games.  Their division is in the midst of an overhaul, with only Phoenix's Dave Tippett and San Jose's Todd McLellan having coached full seasons with their respective clubs last year. Bruce Boudreau has a .666 winning-percentage all time and i...

The first matchup featuring the Phoenix Coyotes and departed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov didn't amount to a result they liked, what with Matt Read scoring the game-winning goal with just 18.6 seconds remaining in the final frame. Now, in their own barn, the Coyotes are looking for proper revenge. Problem is, they may not even get it as Sergei Bobrovsky might get the start in goal for the Flyers as they visit Jobing.com Arena.

The Flyers last faced another former team of Bryzgalov's, Anaheim, less than 24 hours ago. The Ducks got the jump on them with three goals, but the Flyers came back to take the game in overtime, 4-3. Phoenix is coming off a 1-0 loss against Winnipeg ...