from Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic,

It seems illogical, but the Coyotes playoff odds have been boosted more when the team has been off the ice than on it.

Timely losses by the Dallas Stars during the pursuit of the final wild-card berth in the Western Conference have kept the Coyotes not only afloat but feeling in control of their fate.

But, as per usual, that optimism took a hit when the Coyotes actually played and now they will need some help to still be in the hunt come this weekend.

After a 2-0 loss to the Nashville Predators on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena to increase their losing streak to six games, the Coyotes remain in ninth with 87 points. That keeps them only two points shy of the Stars for eighth, but a win by Dallas today over the St. Louis Blues would eliminate the Coyotes and erase all meaning in Sunday's regular-season finale at home against the Stars.

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