The Phoenix Coyotes will bring their hot streak back to the desert on Sunday night, when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes head into the tilt having gained points in seven consecutive games, posting a 6-0-1 record. This recent run has planted them firmly in fourth place, three points behind the third place San Jose Sharks, who lead the Pacific Division.
Phoenix's most recent win was among their most impressive of the season. After playing the Vancouver Canucks to a 0-0 draw through two periods, the Yotes struck three times in the third to notch the 3-1 win, and take a season sweep of Western Canada.
The Blackhawks invade Jobing.com Arena with a bit of a backskate after winning eight games in a row. They're coming off what was quite possibly their worst performance of the season, when they lost 5-0 to the Dallas Stars on Thursday.
Chicago will come in shorthanded, missing a pair of key players on both ends of the ice. Dave Bolland is out with a concussion, while defenseman Brian Campbell is out with a leg injury.
Sunday will mark the fourth game of the season between the two clubs, with Phoenix holding onto a 2-0-1 record against the defending Stanley Cup champs on the year.
In what may not seem like a home game for these Coyotes with the large Hawk fan population sure to be in attendance, Sunday does mean the start of a six-game homestand for the Yotes as they look to maintain, and possibly improve, their playoff position down the home stretch.
What is surely likely to be a nearly sold out affair can be followed along on our own Five for Howling, with the puck scheduled to hit the ice at 5 PM local time.