Morning Skate: Desert Pups

What's the bigger turn-around? Joaquin Phoenix from quality actor ("AM I NOT MERCIFUL?!") to "rapper" career. Or is it the Phoenix Coyotes from almost being relocated after poor finances to 5th place in the Western Conference? Hmm...tough call.

• The Punisher Returns. Much has been made about Niklas Kronwall returning to the line-up, as it should be. The return of Kronwall means likely a much tighter defensive line and most of all, no more making excuses in terms of the defense playing poorly because of Meech or Lebda since Meech is out there and Lebda is now planted on the third line for good. 
• Watch to see how Brad Stuart plays now that he has his old partner back. Stuart had been an anchor on the blueline for the Wings this season but had stumbled a bit (both figuratively and literally at times) alongside Derek Meech or Brett Lebda. It will be interesting to see if his play picks up after beign reunited with his old linemate. 
• Jimmy Howard starts in net tonight. Tiberius will get yet another start and is clearly the hot hand for Uncle Mike to put between the pipes, despite giving up 3 last time out against the Kings.
• Ugh, speaking of....I don't even want to talk about the last time the Wings took the ice. A good Wings team showed up for the first twenty but faded through the second and third--or got distracted by the people in the rafters--and collapsed late. 3-2 loss after having a 2-0 lead, pathetic. 
• I'm about to get all mythical creature  (and probably over-dramatic) on you. The Phoenix is a mythical bird that upon reaching the end of its life cycle is set ablaze. From the ashes of its own death, a new, reborn bird takes flight. That's pretty much what has gone on Detroit. The team was injured and burned itself to the ground with mistakes and turnovers and sloppy play. With several players returning to the line-up lately (and more to come very soon) it's time for a new team to emerge and take charge. So, what I'm saying is this is the new bird, mkay?
• Phoenix is 4-5-1 in its last 10 games, including losses to Washington, Buffalo, San Jose,Vancouver, and Detroit. Big wins in that stretch include New Jersey and Nashville.
• Detroit's not much better with a 4-4-2 record in the last 10 games. We all know how those games went...
• Last time these two teams played, Jimmy was in net for a 4-1 win with a pair of goals from Homer.
• Phoenix's top scorer is Ol' Iron Knee Shane Doan. Doan has 14 goals and 20 assists for a team leading 34 points.
• Expect Bryzgalov to get the start in net for Phoenix. Bryzgalov has shown he's got what it takes to be a #1 in the NHL and man is he a great netminder.
• Five For Howling is the SB Nation Coyotes Blog. Check it out pre-game to read up on the Yotes.
• More after the jump. Make the jump, you know you can. I believe in you.