The Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars are locked in a battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. You wouldn’t know it though based on each teams appearing unwilling to take control of that final wild card spot. Last night was no different as the Phoenix Coyotes went in to Nashville with a chance to move into a tie with the Stars for that final wild card position.
The Coyotes though came out flat against the Predators. The offense once again failed to show up for Phoenix as they were shutout by the Predators 2-0. The second period was particularly difficult for the Coyotes, as they failed to manage a single shot on goal until there was just under five minutes to play in the period. For a team fighting for their playoff lives, that is simply unacceptable.
When asked about his team’s lack of offense, Coach Dave Tippett had this to say “Not enough plays being made to generate the speed going into the offensive zone. Disappointing for sure."
Pekke Rinne had 29 saves for the shutout, his second of the season. The Predators received goals from Craig Smith and Patric Hornqvist, both of whom have 21 on the season. The Coyotes were once again without goaltender Mike Smith, who has been sidelined with a lower body injury suffered March 24th. With Smith out, Thomas Greiss has been carrying the load down the stretch, Greiss had 21 saves on the night. The problem for Phoenix has not been goaltending though, rather it has been an offense that has failed to score goals – a problem which has plagued Phoenix all season long. Phoenix simply could not generate enough quality chances against Nashville as the Predators clamped down defensively. Superstar defenceman Shea Weber was a huge factor in shutting down the Coyotes with over 26 minutes of ice time.
With the loss Phoenix no longer has control of their playoff destiny. Dallas has the opportunity to eliminate the Coyotes with a victory over the St. Louis Blues on Friday evening. Should the Stars fail to eliminate Phoenix Friday night, there will be an epic showdown Sunday afternoon between the Stars and Coyotes in Phoenix too determine which team clinches the final playoff spot.