With so much parity at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, only a few points separate the worst teams from playoff contenders. The Coyotes are starting to find themselves on the wrong side of that distinction.
The Coyotes had a chance to pull themselves into playoff position on their most recent road trip, but with a 4-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at Gila River Arena, the Coyotes now find themselves just one point from the bottom of the conference standings.
Playoff-hopeful teams have stepped up their game after the All-Star break. Games that were already tough to win are tougher.