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Stars host Coyotes looking to build momentum for the playoffs

Apr 4, 2008 - 1:42 PM Phoenix (37-37-6) at Dallas (44-29-7) 8:30 pm EDT

DALLAS (Ticker) - The Dallas Stars try to build some momentum for the playoffs on Friday when they host the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Stars moved ahead of the idle Colorado Avalanche (43-31-7) on Thursday, taking control of fifth place in the Western Conference by claiming a 4-2 victory over the Coyotes.

Defensemen Matt Niskanen and Stephane Robidas each scored a power-play goal and Johan Holmqvist stopped 21 shots to lead Dallas to the win.

Captain Brenden Morrow and Mike Modano also tallied for the Stars, who were without leading-scorer Mike Ribeiro - the All-Star was sidelined with the flu.

Despite holding a playoff spot, the Stars are just 3-5-2 over their last 10 games and haven't won back-to-back contests since winning four straight from February 22-28.

Dallas is trying to string some wins together before the playoffs in the hopes of making it past the first round after being eliminated in the quarterfinals each of the last three seasons.

The Coyotes have lost three consecutive games in regulation and are just 1-7-1 over their last nine games.

Dallas is 3-4-0 against against the Coyotes this season.