Chicago Blackhawks vs Phoenix Coyotes
8:00 PM ET, March 20, 2011
Jobing.com Arena, GLENDALE, Arizona
The Phoenix Coyotes have won five in a row, making a playoff spot seem secure. The Chicago Blackhawks are mired in a bad stretch that included their worst performance of the season in their last game.
These contenders meet for the fourth and final time Sunday night, with the Blackhawks trying to avoid a fifth straight road loss.
Phoenix (39-23-11) is pushing San Jose for the Pacific Division lead, completing a perfect four-game trip with a 3-1 victory over NHL-leading Vancouver on Friday.
"It was a great trip," coach Dave Tippett said. "I give our guys a ton of credit. They battled hard every game."
Chicago (38-25-8) seemed to be solidifying its hold on a third straight postseason berth by winning a season-high eight straight Feb. 20-March 5. The defending Stanley Cup champion, though, has gone 1-2-2 in its last five and lost 5-0 at Dallas on Thursday -- getting shut out for the second time this season.
"Tough one to explain. Nothing good about this game," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We should all absorb some responsibility on how bad we were. The importance of this game, and they keep getting bigger, we didn't respect the urgency."
These contenders meet for the fourth and final time Sunday night, with the Blackhawks trying to avoid a fifth straight road loss.
Phoenix (39-23-11) is pushing San Jose for the Pacific Division lead, completing a perfect four-game trip with a 3-1 victory over NHL-leading Vancouver on Friday.
"It was a great trip," coach Dave Tippett said. "I give our guys a ton of credit. They battled hard every game."
Chicago (38-25-8) seemed to be solidifying its hold on a third straight postseason berth by winning a season-high eight straight Feb. 20-March 5. The defending Stanley Cup champion, though, has gone 1-2-2 in its last five and lost 5-0 at Dallas on Thursday -- getting shut out for the second time this season.
"Tough one to explain. Nothing good about this game," coach Joel Quenneville said. "We should all absorb some responsibility on how bad we were. The importance of this game, and they keep getting bigger, we didn't respect the urgency."
Watch Chicago Blackhawks vs Phoenix Coyotes Live Online Stream Free March 20, 2011
