Canadiens seek reversal of fortune against Coyotes (Feb 09, 2017)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Montreal Canadiens are reeling and have a litany of issues to correct as they prepare to face the improving Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night at Gila River Arena to close out a two-game road trip.

The Atlantic Division leaders are mired in a season-high four-game losing streak after Tuesday's 4-0 loss in Denver to the Colorado Avalanche, a team that trails them by 36 points in the standings and has the fewest points in the league, and a team the Canadiens beat 10-1 at Bell Centre two months ago.

"We all hold ourselves accountable," Montreal defenseman Nathan Beaulieu told NHL.com. "We're going through a tough time, but all good teams go through adversity. What's important is how we respond. There are things that need to be confronted, and it starts with all of us looking in the mirror."

The Canadiens' power play hasn't scored in its last five games (0 for 11), the penalty-killing unit has allowed a goal in six of the last seven games, the offense has produced 21 goals in the last 11 games (10 of them in two games) and have been shut out in back-to-back games for the first time since March 24 and 26, 2011.

As a result, the Canadiens' lead in the Atlantic Division has shrunk to eight points over the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators have four games in hand; the Maple Leafs have three.

"Every team goes through tough stretches," goaltender Carey Price said. "I think it's important we continue to have fun and not dwell on things when they're not going well. That's always seemed to be the recipe to get out of a funk, and that's what we're going to use."

The Coyotes won't be going to the playoffs this season, but Arizona is 4-2 in its last six games, including Saturday's overtime win in San Jose against the Pacific Division-leading Sharks. A young core of players is starting to progress.

"It was a tough start for sure. I don't want to sugarcoat that," Coyotes right wing Ryan White, who has four goals in his last nine games. "We took some lumps and we had long losing streaks where it was pretty gloomy around here coming in.

"The way we're playing lately and seeing these kids pick things up and get confidence, it's bittersweet that we're not in the race now because we're starting to play some good hockey."

With Coyotes left wing Max Domi having returned to the lineup after missing two months with a broken hand, both teams are relatively healthy. Canadiens right winger Brendan Gallagher (hand) is on injured reserve until early March.

Arizona center Martin Hanzal missed practice on Wednesday due to illness, but is expected to play. Coyotes center Brad Richardson (broken right tibia and fibula) is on IR and out indefinitely, but has resumed skating and has not ruled out a return this season.

Price is expected to start in goal for Montreal; either Mike Smith or Louis Domingue will go for Arizona. The Canadiens defeated Arizona, 5-2, in the teams' only other meeting on Oct 20 at Bell Centre.

That game marked the first game for Price in nearly 11 months. He missed the first three games of the regular season with the flu, and he sprained the MCL in his right knee on Nov. 25, 2015, ending his 2015-16 season.