Will that change tonight at Jobing.com Arena? Phoenix certainly hopes so, and momentum is on its side as goaltender Mike Smith is riding a shutout streak of nearly 160 consecutive minutes coming into the game. The Coyotes are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference, but are just two points clear of ninth-place Dallas with three games to go. The division crown is still within range and it’s a dead heat between the Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings: the two clubs are even based on points (91) and regulation or overtime victories (33), meaning the Kings’ superior record in the season series has them in the division lead for the time being. That could change, of course, with Los Angeles playing last night at home and the Coyotes facing a key game against the Blue Jackets tonight.

The Coyotes and Blue Jackets each bring winning streaks into tonight’s game in Glendale, but Columbus’ string of victories has included some impressive competition. After defeating the Detroit Red Wings at home on Wednesday night, the Blue Jackets beat the playoff-hopeful Florida Panthers in a crucial game on Friday. The next night, with rookie goaltender Allen York between the pipes and the St. Louis Blues looking to clinch the Central Division, Columbus shut them down and earned a 5-2 win. Phoenix has won two straight, and could potentially leap into the division lead with two points tonight.

York will be the starting netminder for the Blue Jackets in Phoenix, marking his fourth consecutive start between the pipes. Smith is expected to get the call for the Coyotes, looking to extend his already-impressive shutout streak.

G	Nash (27)	Vrbata (33)
A	Prospal (36)	Whitney (51)
PTS	Nash (56)	Whitney (75)
PIM	Dorsett (218)	Torres (64)
+/-	MacKenzie (+4)	Whitney (+25)
W/L	Mason (14-26-3)	Smith (35-18-10)
GAA	York (2.35)	Smith (2.29)
SVP	York (.921)	Smith (.927)