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Phoenix making playoff push

Feb 19, 2008 - 2:21 PM Calgary (29-22-8) at Phoenix (31-25-4) 9:30 pm EST

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) - Wayne Gretzky has 100 career wins as a coach, but more importantly the Phoenix Coyotes find themselves in the thick of the playoff race.

The Coyotes will try to build on Gretzky's milestone win when they host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

With his No. 99 jersey hanging from the rafters at the Staples Center, "The Great One" recorded his 100th career win as a coach Monday as the Coyotes defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 4-0.

Gretzky, who holds almost every significant offensive record in the NHL, achieved the milestone in his third year behind the bench in Phoenix. The Hall of Famer, however, has yet to lead Phoenix to the postseason during his coaching tenure.

That could change this season as the Coyotes have climbed into a three-way tie with the Flames and Vancouver Canucks for the final two spots in the Western Conference playoff race.

"I don't really worry about that stuff," Gretzky said of reaching the 100-win plateau. "We are in the hunt for the playoff drive and we are playing a lot better than most people anticipated. It was a great team effort.

"There's something about this group. They rally around each other. I thought the guys came out and took a lead. We're definitely heading in the right direction for the playoffs."

The Flames will look to avoid a third straight loss as they try to bounce back from a 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. Captain Jarome Iginla, who leads the team with 35 goals and 35 assists this season, has just three points over the previous five games.