Time: Thursday, 31 December, 2009 at 7:00 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America

Last 10 matches: San Jose 6-2-2; Phoenix 7-2-1.
Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera has only made two starts since Nov. 16 due to the phenomenal play of Ilya Bryzgalov. Both have been shootout victories, including Tuesday’s win against the Canucks. Joe Pavelski scored twice on Wednesday and has three goals in his last two games. … All six of Petr Prucha’s goals have come in the last 14 games, and the Coyotes’ forward has scored in back-to-back contests.
One would experience difficulty arguing against the popular opinion that the Coyotes are the best story in hockey right now. Despite a summer loaded with turmoil, Phoenix has won a franchise-record 10 consecutive games on home ice and trails the conference-leading Sharks by just four points.
This is the fourth of six meetings between the Pacific Division rivals. The Coyotes are 2-0-1 against the Sharks, as they took the first two games before San Jose earned a 3-2 shootout win on Monday at HP Pavilion. Highlights, live score and results will be available soon..