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Could the Coyotes capture the Pacific?

Coyotes Panthers Hockey

Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) and teammate Zbynek Michalek (4) watch as Florida Panthers’ Steven Reinprecht (27) slides into the goal during an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Thursday, March 18, 2010. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

AP

OK, this is probably crazy ... even for the wacky stuff I bring up every now and then. Still, I cannot help but ask: could the Phoenix Coyotes sneak up on the San Jose Sharks and steal the Pacific division? First let’s look at the simplest (and most important) numbers: the standings. The Sharks have 96 points and 43 wins in 70 games with a 12-5-4 division record. The Coyotes have 93 points and 44 wins in 71 games with an 11-7-3 mark in the Pacific.

So it’s still a solid lead for San Jose, but it truly is shocking how close things have become. The teams are clearly going in different directions: the Sharks have lost four in a row and the Coyotes are on an amazing seven game winning streak. Obviously, if things keep going this way, Phoenix could very well find themselves on the top of the division against all odds.

How possible is it, really? Let me make a simple breakdown of each team’s remaining schedules. Naturally, the road ahead isn’t everything, but in a tough as nails Western Conference it could make the difference.

Schedule breakdown and final thoughts after the jump.

San Jose schedule breakdown 12 games left, 7 on the road. Their only back-to-back will be finished today against Calgary. They only have one game against Phoenix, at home. The Sharks do have an extra game this season. Not too many tough games - in my opinion - aside from two against Vancouver.

Phoenix schedule breakdown

11 games left, 7 on the road. Two back to backs (vs. Chi, @ Dal; @Van, @Cgy). Their game against San Jose is on the road. Their schedule is pretty tough down the stretch, with two games against Chicago, one against Vancouver, one against LA and one against Nashville.

Looking at each team’s situation, I think that the Sharks will maintain their shrinking lead on the Pacific division crown. Then again, the Coyotes have been overcoming the odds all season long, so why not keep going?