Saturday, March 29, 9:00 PM on FSN, FSAZ

Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona

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Phoenix has entered single-digit games remaining on their schedule with a distinct job to do the last couple weeks of the season – hold off Dallas. The Stars trail the Coyotes by only three with even the Canucks only four points out of the #8 spot. If Phoenix wants to secure the last playoff spot they have to defend their home ice, starting Saturday night against the up and down Wild.

Minnesota, with 85 points, hasn't exactly written in stone their presence in the postseason. The Wild currently hold the #7 spot but Phoenix is only three points behind them. A Coyote win Saturday night at Jobing.com Arena could leave the Wild on the defensive with Dallas on their tail. Minnesota has dropped 3 of 4 and all as favorites and have a four game road trip staring them in the eyes.

Phoenix needs to get a win at home where they're a solid 21-12-3 on the year. The Coyotes have gone a respectable 6-3-1 in their last 10 and they've actually only been favored 3 times. Phoenix has been shocking the oddsmakers and look to keep that streak going by avenging a 4-1 loss to Minnesota on January 9th.

The last time Minnesota visited “The Job” things got ugly for the home team Coyotes and those who bet on them. The Wild came in on a 3 game winning streak but were still +170 on the money line on the road. Phoenix had lost 2 of 3 but were still -185 on the ticket. Three Wild goals in the third period sealed the fate as Minnesota got the 4-1 win and a huge payout.

ATS Trends

Minnesota is 14-22 straight up on the road this season

Minnesota is 12-15-9 against the over/under on the road this season

Phoenix is 21-15 straight up at home this season

Phoenix is 20-13-3 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota 

03/26/14 D Keith Ballard Groin questionable
03/23/14 D Clayton Stoner Knee expected to miss 7-10 days
03/12/14 LW Jason Zucker Quad out for season
03/05/14 GO Niklas Backstrom Abdominal out for season
01/06/14 GO Josh Harding Illness out indefinitely

Phoenix 

03/25/14 LW Lauri Korpikoski Facial questionable
03/25/14 GO Mike Smith Knee expected to miss 1-2 weeks
03/20/14 D David Schlemko Foot out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take Phoenix

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