David Vest
Jan. 27, 2004
© The Arizona Republic

Left wing Tyson Nash is expected to return to action tonight when the Coyotes host the Calgary Flames at Glendale Arena.

Nash (two goals, three assists) hasn't played since he sprained a knee on Jan. 15 vs. Nashville.

"It feels a lot better," said Nash, whose next game will be the 300th of his NHL career. "It's amazing what a couple of days of rest and workouts can do."

Coyotes captain Shane Doan said Nash's presence on the ice and in the locker room is critical to the team's push for the postseason.

"He's an emotional guy for our team, and his energy is kind of contagious and goes through the whole room," Doan said.

"When he's in the dressing room, you can see the jump in the life of the group. It will be good to have him back."

To the rescue

Goalie Brian Boucher saved the day on Saturday when he stopped 44 of 46 shots by Detroit in a 5-2 victory.

On Monday, a few of the Coyotes admitted the team asked too much of their goalie.

"Obviously, it's cause for concern whenever you give up (close to) 50 shots in a game when you don't even get 20 yourself," center Jeff Taffe said. "We have to clean up our end and not give up so many shots. You can't rely on the goaltenders every night."

Nash agreed.

"We can't be allowing that many quality scoring chances," he said. "It's not like they were getting shots from the outskirt. They were getting them right in the slot, right on the doorstep.

"We've got to definitely limit that and concentrate on playing good defense, blocking shots, and not letting the pucks get to the nets."

Some trade rumor

Here's coach Bobby Francis' take on the rumors that goalie Sean Burke is on the trading block.

"Sean and I joke that he's been rumored to be traded as many times as I've been rumored to be fired," Francis said.

"It just comes with the territory."