Coyotes Aim for Sixth Consecutive Win

On Thursday night, the red-hot Coyotes will host the Atlanta Thrashers. Winners of five games in a row, the Coyotes look to continue their defensive minded game plan to extend their winning streak to six games. Unlike the Coyotes, the Thrashers are struggling right now, as they have lost five of their last six games. Atlanta’s defense has been shaky of late, giving up 22 goals in that span, for an average of 3.67 goals against/game.

On a few side notes, this will be Dustin Byfuglien’s first game after signing his five-year $26 million extension. He was acquired in a trade from the Blackhawks last offseason, and would have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

Byfuglien and the Coyotes’ Keith Yandle are among the league leaders in scoring by defensemen. Yandle ranks first in the league with 47 points and Big Buff ranks fifth with 43 points. It would be great for the Coyotes to end the home stand on a high note before departing Friday for a five-game road trip.