The Arizona Coyotes are 10-1-2 against the Pacific Division in 2015-16.
They will need every bit of that strong record and more tonight as they face the San Jose Sharks, the very team that just leapfrogged the Yotes in the standings due to games played.
The Sharks have had quite the up and down campaign themselves, but a win against the Coyotes on Thursday night would give them a two point cushion over Arizona and Vancouver while holding a game in hand over the Coyotes and two games in hand over the Canucks.
“Both teams will look at the standings and say, ‘This is a big game,’” coach Dave Tippett said.