(SportsNetwork.com) - After failing to earn a point for just the second time in their past 12 games, the Phoenix Coyotes aim to rebound on the road Monday night as they visit the Nashville Predators.
The Coyotes dropped a 4-2 decision at home to the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, falling to 8-2-2 in their last 12 games. It was also Phoenix's first regulation setback as the hosting team this season (9-1-2).
Shane Doan netted his team-leading 11th goal of the season and also assisted on Mike Ribeiro's tally, while Mike Smith was charged with all four goals on 22 shots faced and was lifted in the second period. Backup Thomas Greiss stopped all four shots he faced in the third period.
"Give them credit because they just out-worked us. We didn't do any of the hard work that you need to do if you want to win in this league," said Doan, who has seven goals and 11 points over an eight-game point streak.
Phoenix is also set to visit Minnesota on Wednesday, but could open this quick trip without Martin Hanzal, who is tied with Doan for the club lead with 19 points. Hanzal suffered a lower-body injury in the first period on Saturday, but did make the trip to Nashville.
However, forward Lauri Korpikoski and defenseman Zbynek Michalek did not due to injury.
Nashville will also seek to rebound tonight after having a three-game win streak snapped with Saturday's 2-0 setback to the New York Rangers. The Preds got 32 saves from Marek Mazanec, but were outshot 34-17 in the game, including 17-7 in the second period.
"They didn't allow us to get any momentum," said Predators head coach Barry Trotz. "I didn't think we played great, but I didn't think we played poorly. (The Rangers) had a high compete level and a lot of team speed, and they tracked us down pretty good."
Nashville had netted 13 goals over its win streak, but was shut out for the fifth time this season.
Mazanec had been in net for all three games over the winning streak, allowing a total of four goals while posting a shutout, but the rookie fell to 3-3-0 with a 2.32 goals against average in seven games (6 starts) this season.
The Coyotes have won six of their last nine meetings with the Predators, including a 5-4 shootout decision at home on Oct. 31. Mikkel Boedker had the lone goal of the tiebreaker, while Doan had a goal and an assist.
Greiss made the start for Phoenix, posting 36 saves.
Smith, the likely starter for tonight, is 3-3-1 with a 2.75 GAA in seven games (6 starts) lifetime versus the Preds.
Nashville has lost four of its past five at home versus Phoenix.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.