Anaheim will look to build off an well-rounded team win over Seattle on Wednesday night. Four different Ducks scored and Anthony Stolarz made 19 saves to earn his sixth straight win. Anaheim also converted on the power play and scored a shorthanded goal in its second win in as many games over its new division rival.
Stolarz has filled in admirably in the absence of John Gibson (lower-body injury). Stolarz has two shutouts, a 1.42 GAA and .951 SV% in his last seven appearances, allowing one or fewer goals in five of those seven games. He is third in GAA and SV% among NHL goalies in that span.
Gibson has missed two games following his injury last week in Pittsburgh. He ranks third in saves (636), fourth in minutes (1333) and tied for fifth in games played (22) among NHL goaltenders.
The Ducks won the first meeting with their now former divisional foe, a 3-1 victory over the Coyotes on Nov. 5 at Honda Center. Stolarz carried a shutout into the final minute of regulation before Arizona broke through for its lone goal. Adam Henrique, Sonny Milano and Sam Carrick scored for Anaheim.
The Coyotes make their second visit to Anaheim to open a three-game road trip. Arizona has lost six straight games and currently sits last in the NHL (5-21-2, 12 points). The Coyotes also rank 32nd in the league in goals per game (1.79) and goals against (3.64).
Forward Nick Schmaltz has been a bright spot for Arizona offensively, with points in six straight games. Schmaltz has 16 points (5-11-16) in 20 career games against the Ducks, including five points (1-4-5) in his last four appearances.
With goals in back-to-back games, veteran Loui Eriksson enters play Friday with 599 career points.
Anaheim and Arizona will conclude the three-game season series on Apr. 1 at Gila River Arena.
