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Bryzgalov, Coyotes look to build off first win since break

Feb 12, 2009 - 11:25 AM Vancouver (25-20-8) at Phoenix (25-25-5), 9:00 pm EST

GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- Following a great bounce-back performance, Ilya Bryzgalov and the Phoenix Coyotes will host the surging Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

Bryzgalov made 33 saves and Enver Lisin scored early in the second period as the Coyotes halted their six-game losing streak Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over the Dallas Stars.

"Although we lost the last six games, four of those were heartbreakers," Phoenix coach Wayne Gretzky said. "It was a good bounce-back today."

"It's almost where we need the points if we want to fight for a playoff spot," Bryzgalov added. "We're not that far (in the standings) from these guys (Dallas). I hope this gives us some confidence."

The 28-year-old Bryzgalov, who started in each of the six losses, surrendered four goals in the first two periods before being pulled in Saturday's 7-2 setback to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Canucks appear to be turning things around, surpassing their win total from January in three contests this month.

Jannik Hansen snapped a tie with 4:42 remaining as Vancouver scored four times in the third period Tuesday en route to a 6-4 triumph over the St. Louis Blues.

Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows and former Blue Pavol Demitra also tallied in the final session for the Canucks, who have won three in a row following an eight-game losing streak (0-5-3). Vancouver posted just two wins last month.