Preview: Phoenix at Anaheim

Matchup Edge

PHO	Edge in:	ANA
	Offense
	Defense
	Power Play
	Penalty Kill
	Face Offs
	Discipline
	Goaltending

The Anaheim Ducks will begin their preparation for the playoffs on Saturday, when they wrap up their regular-season slate against the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. Pacific Division champion Anaheim is locked into the No. 2 seed - and will face either Detroit, Minnesota or Columbus in the first round of the postseason. The Red Wings hold a one-point edge over the Wild and Blue Jackets heading into Saturday's action.

The Ducks completed their trek through Western Canada in fine form, posting back-to-back victories over Edmonton before skating to a 3-1 triumph over Northwest Division champion Vancouver on Thursday. Phoenix officially was eliminated from playoff contention prior to Wednesday's 2-1 victory over San Jose. The Coyotes, who won the Pacific title last season, followed that up with a 5-4 shootout loss to Colorado on Friday.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSN Plus Arizona (Phoenix), KDOC (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE COYOTES (20-18-9): Antoine Vermette scored twice against the Avalanche after failing to secure a point in five straight games and seven of his previous nine. Vermette joined Rob Klinkhammer by tallying on the power play as Phoenix went 2-for-6 with the man advantage. The game marked the first time the Coyotes had scored more than once on the power play since it accomplished the feat twice in the first four games of the season.

ABOUT THE DUCKS (30-11-6): After clinching the division title on Monday, coach Bruce Boudreau elected to give captain Ryan Getzlaf and veterans Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu and Radek Dvorak the night off against the Canucks. Boudreau may continue this practice on Saturday, although he stopped short of discussing Bobby Ryan's status as he deals with the flu. Boudreau did note that defenseman Luca Sbisa will miss the contest with a lower-body injury.

OVERTIME

1. Anaheim dropped a 5-4 shootout decision to Phoenix on March 2 before rebounding to win the next two contests in a rare three-game regular-season set.

2. Coyotes captain Shane Doan sits three points behind Thomas Steen (817) for second place on the franchise list.

3. The Ducks have scored a power-play goal in each of their last three games and four of five.

PREDICTION: Ducks 2, Coyotes 1

Stats and Records

Quickchart Matchup

Phoenix Off vs  Anaheim Def

2.47 GF 2.34 GA 30.9 Shots 27.9 Shots 25 PP 30 PK

Anaheim Off vs  Phoenix Def

2.79 GF 2.6 GA 27.7 Shots 30.2 Shots 28 PP 33 PK