• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Gretzky's Coyotes face Predators

Dec 18, 2008 - 11:21 AM Nashville (15-12-3) at Phoenix (14-13-4), 9:00 pm EST

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Wayne Gretzky has yet to make the playoffs as a coach. The Phoenix Coyotes may be in position to end that trend this season.

Gretzky's Coyotes hope to avoid a third straight loss Thursday when they host the Nashville Predators.

Phoenix did manage to pick up an important point Tuesday when Todd Fedoruk scored the tying goal midway through the third period. But Loui Eriksson tallied his second of the game in overtime for the Stars, who recorded a 2-1 win over the Coyotes.

Currently ninth in the Western Conference standings, Phoenix is part of a slew of teams fighting for playoff position and every point is going to matter in such a close race.

The Coyotes, who have gone 6-3-2 over their last 11 games, are in their fourth season with "The Great One" behind the bench.

Gretzky, who missed the postseason just five times during his legendary 20-year playing career, owns a 121-135-21 coaching record and may be replaced without a trip to the playoffs.

Dan Ellis made 27 saves to post his second shutout as the Predators snapped a three-game losing streak with a 3-0 victory over the Stars on Saturday.

Ellis, who is trying to hold on to his starting job, is 9-11-3 with a 2.78 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. He has started the last three games after Pekka Rinne made four straight starts.