Coyotes Look To Build Streak Against Senators

The Arizona Coyotes continue their six-game home stand Saturday evening when the Ottawa Senators come to town.

Arizona is coming off a 4-1 victory against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. Mikkel Boedker led the charge with two goals and one assist, while Shane Doan had a season high in points with one goal and two assists (all on the power play.)

Mike Smith saved 34 of 35 shots on his way to his seventh victory of the season. Smith, who is starting to show more consistency in his play as of late, will be in goal tonight for the fourth consecutive contest, according to sources. For the second consecutive game, the Coyotes will be without both Zbynek Michalek and Martin Hanzal.

Jan 8, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save on Winnipeg Jets center Bryan Little (18) as center Sam Gagner (9) looks on during the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona (16-20-4) exemplified efficiency on their power play as they cashed in on their first three opportunities. Thursday’s performance raises the Coyotes power play unit (22.7 percent) to fifth-ranked in the NHL.

Tonight’s opponent, the Ottawa Senators, are coming off a 5-2 defeat at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche.

Ottawa (16-16-8) is looking to gain some momentum in the wild card race. They trail Boston by eight points for the second wild card spot. In their last ten games the Senators are 4-4-2.

Ottawa is led by their captain, Erik Karlsson, who leads the team in assists (21), shots on goal (149), power play points (15) and average time on ice (27:22).

Their top goal scorers, linemates Mike Hoffman (13) and Bobby Ryan (12), will also fare into the Coyotes defensive game plan.

Ottawa will again turn to goaltender Craig Anderson, according to sources.

"“We’ve got to get tougher. Your attitude has to be to win at all costs,” Anderson said after the Senators loss in Colorado on Thursday."

One storyline to look out for tonight will be the family affair on the ice. Arizona defenseman Michael Stone will square off against his brother, Ottawa’s Mark Stone, for the first time in a NHL game.

The puck will drop for the Coyotes and Senators at 4 PM MST in Glendale.