Detroit Red Wings: Tonight's Tilt Against Phoenix Coyotes Could Be Toughest Yet

What's that they say about injured animals...that's when they're the most dangerous?

Well, if that's the case, I'm guessing Coyotes are no exception.

The Phoenix Coyotes will visit Joe Louis Arena tonight on the back-end of a road trip that has seen them lose two straight games, making their record 0-2-1 over the past three games.

Tonight's game represents that last chance for Phoenix to go back home with something to show for their efforts on this three-game road trip.

As they face the team they saw for seven straight games last April in the playoffs, the Coyotes are well acquainted with the Wings and, as is often the case, a win over Detroit carries with it an extra air of accomplishment, beyond the "W."

The Coyotes have all the motivation in the world to come out angry and hungry tonight.

The Red Wings, on the other hand, have been cruising on a three-game win streak and have been enjoying the comforts that come with a four-day break at home.

That they have the talent to overpower the visiting Coyotes is obvious. Whether or not they can match the ferocity and desperation their opponents are sure to exhibit at the drop of the puck is something else again.

With that, here are three key story lines heading into tonight's game.

Third-rate Third Line Has One Last Chance To Improve

For some coaches, stating your opinion to the media is as good a motivation tool as the promise of more ice-time or a well-timed verbal kick in the butt at practice.

Over the past couple of days, Mike Babcock has made it abundantly clear that he needs his third-line to start making a difference, or it will be broken up and put on the shelf.

Babcock has also admitted that doing so would likely mean switching out pieces from his top two lines, something he's loathed to do as both are playing extremely well.

As I opined early this week, the Mike Modano line is going to have to find their own way towards success, and tonight's game likely represents their last chance at doing so.

With Justin Abdelkader recovered from his rib injury and chomping at the bit, look for him to bounce out Jiri Hudler from the third line on Saturday if the current trio doesn't improve tonight.

Expect a Chess Match Between Two Buddies

Mike Babcock and Phoenix head coach Dave Tippett are more than colleagues, they're friends.

In fact, before signing his four-year contract extension a few weeks back, Babcock called his friend Tippett to discuss whether or not a lengthy stay behind the bench could lead to his message and methods growing stale on his team.

The two and their families have also vacationed together in the offseason, so, suffice to say, both men know each other quite well.

As such, we should see a fair amount of line-matching and double-shifting tonight as both rosters will be used as a collection of chess pieces by two master tacticians looking for victory.

Jimmy Howard Could Set New Standard for Excellence Tonight With Win

This one is a bit tricky, but bear with me here. 

Jimmy Howard has tied a franchise record (set by back-up Chris Osgood) for a regulation win/no regulation loss streak to 20 games.

That is, going back to last season, Howard's record is 17-0-3.  A regulation win (or, less desirable, an OT loss) tonight would extend Howard's streak to no regulations losses in 21 games, a new franchise record for a goalie.

A bit convoluted perhaps, but a distinctive mark of excellence nonetheless.

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