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Coyotes try to snap losing streak against Ducks

Oct 25, 2007 - 2:23 PM Phoenix (2-5-0) at Anaheim (4-5-1) 10:00 pm EDT

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Coyotes will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they take on the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.

The Coyotes have been outscored, 12-6, over their last three games against the Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers and Detroit Red Wings.

A win is paramount for Phoenix as it is trying to build momentum for a pivotal 13-game stretch in which it has 12 contests against Pacific Division opponents.

Things don't get any easier for the Coyotes when they travel to Anaheim. The Ducks have allowed just eight goals while posting a 4-1-0 record at home this season, the second-best record in the NHL.

The defending Stanley Cup champions have been stingy at the Honda Center without two of their biggest offseason acquisitions.

Defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who is the third-highest paid player on the Ducks after signing a two-year contract worth $11.25 million in July, has yet to play in a game after suffering a non-displaced fracture in his left ankle during the preseason.

Right wing Todd Bertuzzi was placed on injured reserve last Monday after suffering a concussion against the Wild. The 12-year veteran scored a goal and added an assist in his first seven games before being injured.