The Arizona Coyotes are hovering just above the basement in the Western Conference standings, and they come into tonight's game against San Jose as losers of three of their last four. The Sharks will be desperate to end a three game losing streak, as they sit just one point clear of Vancouver and Calgary who occupy the final playoff spots in the West.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Home Cookin' - Neither of these two teams have enjoyed anything near a home ice advantage this season. The Coyotes have two more wins on the road than they do at home, while the Sharks have as many road wins as they do at the Shark Tank. Arizona has lost it's last five home games.

2. Previous History - The Sharks have won three straight trips to Phoenix, and the most recent meeting was a 3-2 Sharks win at Glendale.

3. X-Factor - Antti Niemi has owned the Coyotes in recent seasons, and he boast a sparkling 7-0-3 record with a 1.73 GAA over his last 10 starts against Arizona.

Selection: This is a play on the San Jose Sharks (8*)