Coyotes tracking down Sharks in battle for Pacific crown

By Bud L. Ellis

It’s not just enough for the Phoenix Coyotes to be comfortably assured of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Coyotes have their sights set on the Pacific Division title. Phoenix trails division-leader San Jose by just one point with seven games remaining.

Phoenix has 91 points on the season and is surging, winning seven of its past 10 games to draw within one point of the Sharks. Getting the division lead would move the Coyotes from fourth to third in the playoff pecking order.

The Coyotes had their five-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss at home Sunday to Chicago. Phoenix got back on track Tuesday, beating St. Louis at home 2-1.

The Coyotes play host to Columbus on Thursday, then welcome in the Sharks on Saturday. Phoenix will end the regular season April 9 at San Jose, in a game that could decide the division crown.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 9:38 pm by bud

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