Did you know the Phoenix Coyotes were four games over .500 at the midseason point?  Most experts had the Desert Dogs finishing with the worst record in the NHL.  I don’t think that’s going to happen.  Coach Wayne Gretzky and GM Don Maloney have put together a nice mix of veterans and young players. 

I still think they are a year away from being a possible contender, but at least for this season, there is a strong chance of a playoff berth. 

Phoenix begins a five-game homestand tonight as the Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks invade Jobing.com arena.  The Sharks have the NHL’s best road mark at 16-3-3. 

Phoenix (23-20-1), which is 8-10-1 at home for a league-worst 17 points, opens a five-game homestand looking for better play out of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

Bryzgalov has lost two of his last three games with a 4.42 GAA. He was shaky again Sunday, making 30 saves in a 4-1 loss at Minnesota.

Again, this is a critical homestand that could make or break their playoff chances.

photo Fredrick Sjostrom courtesy of www.phoenixcoyotes.com

written by Roc