• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Bryzgalov, Coyotes host red-hot Predators

Jan 24, 2008 - 3:03 PM Nashville (25-20-4) at Phoenix (25-21-2) 9:00 pm EST

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) - With a new contract in hand, Ilya Bryzgalov will look to continue his stellar play as the Phoenix Coyotes host the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

Bryzgalov, who was picked up off waivers from the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks on November 17, has been a revelation.

Bryzgalov has gone 16-10-2 with a 2.33 goals-against average in 28 games since replacing an ineffective Mikael Tellqvist.

The 27-year-old Russian signed a three-year, $12.7 million extension on Tuesday after a solid first half of the season.

"I am excited to sign with the Phoenix Coyotes," Bryzgalov said. "I'm thrilled about our team, coaches and management. I chose to stay in Phoenix because I love our fans, my teammates and I'm confident that we have a bright future ahead of us."

Bryzgalov stopped 19 shots and Shane Doan recorded a goal and an assist to help the Coyotes snap a two-game losing streak with a 6-2 victory over Buffalo on Monday.

Bryzgalov will have his hands full with a tough Nashville team. The Predators improved to 7-2-2 this month with a 4-0 win over Colorado on Tuesday.

Nashville, which has won three straight, is getting outstanding play from ninth-year right wing J.P Dumont.

The 29-year-old former first-round pick had an assist on Tuesday to extend his career-best points streak to 13 games - the second-longest in the league behind Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf.