After a disappointing loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, the Phoenix Coyotes will put their nose to the grindstone and attempt to grab a win when they host the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. Tuesday marks the second game of a six-game homestand, but promises to be the first true homegame, after Blackhawk fans ruled Jobing.com Arena for the better part of Sunday's game.
That game saw the Hawks control the puck and the pace throughout, while the Coyotes struggled to create much offensively. Their lone goal in the 2-1 loss came on a shot from Eric Belanger that deflected off of Nick Leddy.
The Coyotes will be hosting a Blues team that started the season strong, but has fallen off since. Heading into Tuesday, the Blues have lost three of four, including Saturday's 5-3 loss to San Jose, which didn't help the Coyotes.
The loss on Sunday was the Coyotes' first loss in five games, and the first time in seven games that Phoenix failed to notch a point.
It comes as no surprise that it will be Ilya Bryzgalov between the pipes for the Yotes on Tuesday. Despite the loss, Bryz was named the game's First Star. He's won two of the three times he has started against St. Louis this season.
After spending the last few weeks marred by injury, the Coyotes are finally getting healthy, with Martin Hanzal remaining as the only significant injury remaining, outside of Ed Jovanovski. Hanzal has been out with a lower body injury and was listed as questionable for Tuesday's game.
A win would plant the Coyotes just a single point back of the idle Sharks. The Coyotes will look to avoid one of their losing streaks that has often followed a win streak this season.
With the puck slated for a 7 PM drop local time, be sure to check in on Five For Howling for the in-game updates.