Time: Mon, December 21, 2009 at 9:00 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: Blue Jackets (1-6-3); Coyotes (7-2-1)
Despite all the outside distractions, the Coyotes continue to shine, even after their 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. The contest was the fourth road game in six days for Phoenix, which will now play 12 of its next 15 within the friendly confines of Jobing.com Arena, where it has posted a 12-5-0 mark. The Coyotes are 8-2-1 over their last 11 games.The last time the clubs met four days ago in Columbus, the Coyotes earned a 2-1 shootout decision as Shane Doan, who was playing in his 1,000th NHL game, delivered a backhand attempt through the legs of Jackets goalie Mathieu Garon in the shootout. It was certainly a special moment for Doan, as his daughter, Gracie, turned 11 on the same day. This is the last of four games between the teams this season the Coyotes have won two of the three previous matchups.

“It’s a huge blessing,” Doan said after playing in his 1,000th game. “It’s hard to say what it really means right now. It will probably mean a lot more to me later on. Right now, that was a big win for us and we needed it.”
Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle has registered four points (3 assists) in the last three games and five points (4 assists) in the last five. For the season, the fourth-year blueliner leads all Coyotes defensemen in points (17) and has matched his career-high in goals (5).
The Blue Jackets will be without defenseman Rostislav Klesla (torn groin/abdominal muscle) and feisty right wing Derek Dorsett (broken hand). For Phoenix, defenseman Kurt Sauer (neck injury) and left wing Vernon Fiddler (lower body) are out. We will post information about results of this match.. stay with us.