Atlanta (21-32-5) at Phoenix (25-28-5) 9:00 p.m. EST
GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Not much has gone right for the
Phoenix Coyotes over the last few weeks. However, as they try
to put a stop to a three-game losing streak, they get to face a
team that, historically, they've had little trouble with.
The Coyotes close out their four-game homestand on Thursday
night as they host the Atlanta Thrashers.
In 11 all-time meetings with the Thrashers, the Coyotes have
owned the series, posting a 9-1-1 record. Atlanta's lone
victory in the series came on November 23, 2003 - a 1-0 final.
The Coyotes know what that kind of futility is like - that's how
it's been for the last three weeks. They have dropped nine of
their last 10 overall, including back-to-back shutouts last
month and three contests in which they surrendered seven goals.
Most recently, they fell at home to the Edmonton Oilers on
Monday. All-Star defenseman Sheldon Souray snapped a tie early
in the third period as the Oilers came away with a 3-1 triumph -
the sixth straight home defeat for Phoenix. Ed Jovanovski
provided the only score for the Coyotes with a first-period,
power-play tally.
The Thrashers, meanwhile, look to continue their recent tear
through the Pacific Division. In consecutive road victories
over the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings this week, the
Thrashers have posted 15 goals. Left wing Ilya Kovalchuk has
five goals over those two contests.