It's too soon, of course, to be talking about miracle comebacks, but the Coyotes refuse to go away in the Western Conference playoff race. They seem to have found a way to get the same hop in their step at home as they have on the road, and that bodes well.

Edging even closer after Thursday night's win over the Canucks, they could move into the No. 9 spot with a victory Saturday night over the Edmonton Oilers.

Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who said, "Everything is possible," seems to have caught his second wind, and if he can keep this up, his words might prove prophetic.

Another thing that is keeping the Coyotes in the playoff hunt is the fact that they have not let up their relentless pressure game and forechecking.

One of the best-kept secrets outside of Phoenix is the continued excellent play of the rookie line of left wing Daniel Winnik, center Martin Hanzal and right wing Craig Weller. Hanzal is not a surprise, but Winnik and Weller, long shots to make the team out of training camp, continue to deliver.

COYOTES 2, CANUCKS 0: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov recorded his fifth career shutout, making 22 saves. Center Niko Kapanen and left wing Daniel Winnik had goals. Center Martin Hanzal had two assists.

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