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Avalanche, Coyotes look to end losing streaks

Dec 31, 2007 - 11:54 AM Colorado (21-15-2) at Phoenix (17-18-1) 8:00 pm EST

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Two teams aiming to end losing streaks meet Monday when the Colorado Avalanche visit the Phoenix Coyotes.

On Saturday, the Avalanche squandered a third-period lead in a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, their second straight setback.

Colorado's defense limited the Kings to just 10 shots over the first two periods before Los Angeles picked up its offense in the third, scoring three times on 13 shots.

Jose Theodore, who patrolled the crease for the Avalanche for the first time in over two weeks, suffered his second straight loss, falling to 7-8-1 on the season.

The Avalanche have managed just three goals in their last two games and appear to be missing the presence of captain Joe Sakic, who hasn't played since December 1 and will miss the next eight to 12 weeks after undergoing sports hernia surgery.

The Coyotes have dropped their last three games, including a 4-2 setback to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Radim Vrbata scored a goal and added an assist in the loss as Phoenix failed to hold off the Red Wings after taking a 2-1 lead midway through the second period.

Vrbata leads the Coyotes with 14 goals this season and is second in points with 26 - two behind right wing Shane Doan. Vrbata also is tied with defenseman Derek Morris for the team lead with a plus-8 rating.