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Phoenix playing for a second day in a row, Detroit look great

Guests are in a four consecutive win series, and they are playing very well, while Phoenix lost an exhausting game after the penalty shots, and they'll definitely miss some strength today

Phoenix had two defeats after three consecutive wins, one against Ottawa in the extra time, and the second in the away game against Anaheim last night. Today they're coming home to play against Detroit, so fatigue could play a big role.

They turned the initial Anaheim's leadership last night, thanks to Vermett and Klesle. They held the advantage all the way until three minutes before the end of the regular time, when the home team evened the score out, and lead the game to extra time, and then to penalty shots where they had more luck. It was generally a game in which Coyotes didn't use their chances, and they had plenty of those. They had seven powerplay situations, and used none, which came back in the form of a deserved defeat.

They saved four shorthanded games, on the other hand, but that didn't really help. Their powerplay is at a solid 20% for now, regardless of this last bad performance, and their penalty kill at 78% isn't something to brag about, and they have to work a lot on it. They have a difficult job waiting for them today, hosting Detroit only 24 hours after the last defeat, so this will be a really hard game for them.

- That's a disappointing way to lose this game. I think we had control there after we scored that second goal and then we kind of just sat back. I felt like we were scared to win - Coyote goalie, Mike Smith, said.

The only one with a minor injury problem is the defenseman Derek Morris, and his performance tonight is questionable. The rest of the team are healthy and ready for this game against Detroit, a traditionally tough opponent.

The Red Wings continue the series of great performances. The unbeatable Avs were defeated for the first time 4-2 in the away game, and that confirmed Detroit's great shape. Last night they lead in the first period 2-0, with Franzen and Datsyuk goals, and then the Avs got things back to the beginning. Franzen and Datsyuk score again in the third period, and bring new important points from Colorado. You have to admit it, Avs were more dangerous on the offense, and directed 12 shots more, but the amazing Gustafsson, who recovered from the injury and got back to the top level, had 38 saves and became the hero of the day alongside the two forwards.

- We usually play pretty good coming in here. We make it hard on them and you have to slow them down as much as you can. You know, it's high altitude and you have to play smart to beat these guys. They have some great skills and some great speed and I think we did a good job with that - Franzen, one of the heroes, said.

Franzen's been playing great in the last few games, and he finally started scoring. A lot is expected from him, especially after the last season when he scored very little, and was almost invisible. They fixed their powerplay, but there's still room for progress in that segment. They scored 2/5 in the last game, which is not that bad considering Avs' speed and agility.

Eaves, Howard and Kronwall will miss the game against Phoenix, but the only one who might be missed is Howard. With the way Gustafsson's been tending the goal, he can recover with ease.

Phoenix played a difficult match last night in Anaheim, where they lost after penalty shootout. They played well and had a lot of opportunities which they didn't use and meanwhile they were exhausting themselves. After such exhausting moments they sat on the plane and went home where today they already play another match against the strong Detroit. Against Ducks they had 0/6 power play and Red Wings are even better and tougher in that element. After several mediocre matches they improved and are doing excellent now. A few days ago they won the unbeatable Avs 4-2. Currently they are on away tour and since yesterday they were already in Phoenix, ready and rested for the new win. The offense looks great, everyone is healthy and score a lot lately. Franzen started to do better, Datsyuk is constantly good and Alfredsson, Weiss and Zetterberg are looking for scoring new goals, all of them excellent players. Phoenix don't have such quality and they are extremely exhausted so I will take the final outcome which pays excellent.