This one is it.

Saturday's game against the Ottawa Senators could be the key match-up of the season for the Coyotes, who are coming off a bitterly disappointing 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

A victory over the Senators could give the Coyotes new life or seal their fate as an also-ran in the Western Conference playoff race.

Coach Wayne Gretzky likely will stick with the lines from Thursday night, and he'll look for the same kind of offensive thrust -- almost 40 shots -- that he got against the Canadiens.

That was a positive sign. In two previous games, the Coyotes could only muster a total of 33 shots.

Ilya Bryzgalov will be back in goal.

CANADIENS 4, COYOTES 2: The Coyotes were unable to hold a 2-1 lead in the third period. They gave up two power play goals in less than four minutes. Shane Doan and Zbynek Michalek each scored goals.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.