Phoenix Coyotes vs. Ottawa Senators

The Phoenix Coyotes (2-1) continue their road trip to as they face the Ottawa Senators (1-1-1) Friday night. The Coyotes suffered their first loss against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night and Ottawa hasn't played a game since October 11 in a loss against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. The time off sometimes might hurt a team as the game speed is not like practice. However, in the case of the Senators the layoff might have helped them more as they might get their captain Daniel Alfredsson back but they still won't know until after the morning skate today. For the Coyotes to win their third game of the season, they again would need a strong opening period. However, they can't let up and need to keep skating hard until the end of the game. Next, they need to hold on to the puck. Turnovers against the Senators team would be very costly as they wait for a team to make mistakes and then attack. Face off wins are key. Olli Jokinen only won 3-11 against the Blackhawks. Finally, each player needs to play within the system and not try to do too much. The Coyotes' strength is skating as a five-man unit. The Blackhawks had them running around in a panic the other night and it was a far cry from the first two games where they decimated the opposition with their ability to skate together.