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Blues look to keep home advantage vs. struggling Coyotes

Oct 30, 2007 - 1:30 PM Phoenix (3-6-0) at St. Louis (6-3-0) 8:30 pm EDT

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) - The St. Louis Blues can thank home ice for their strong start.

On Tuesday, the Blues welcome the struggling Phoenix Coyotes into the Scottrade Center.

St. Louis has won four of five home games this season, allowing three goals or fewer in each contest. Much of that success can be attributed to an offense that has scored four goals in each home win.

Goaltender Manny Legace, who has been in net for each of St. Louis' five games at Scottrade Center, is off to a strong start.

After experiencing his worst goals-against average since becoming a regular starter with the Detroit Red Wings in 2000-01 (2.59), Legace's 2.14 GAA falls more in line with his career averages. However, he will need to overcome his recent struggles against the Coyotes, against whom he went 0-1-1 with a 3.90 GAA last season.

On the other hand, about the only thing going in Phoenix's favor is the fact that it owns victory over the Blues already this season. Since downing St. Louis, 3-2, in its season opener, the Coyotes have only won two of their next eight contests.

A key factor in Phoenix being tied with the Atlanta Thrashers for the worst record in the league is its offense, which has scored a Western Conference-low 20 goals.