by Sports Xchange

FIRST LINE: Scottie Upshall, Matthew Lombardi, Shane Doan.

SECOND LINE: Petr Prucha, Martin Hanzal, Radim Vrbata.

THIRD LINE: Vernon Fiddler, Daniel Winnik, Taylor Pyatt.

FOURTH LINE: Peter Mueller, Robert Lang, Peter Bissonnette.

PLAYER NOTES:

--C Matthew Lombardi returned to the Phoenix lineup in impressive style. After missing the last three games with an upper-body injury, he gave the Coyotes power play some jump with a goal in the second period and a first assist on Keith Yandle's game-winner.

"It's always tough sitting out and having an injury and not being able to play, but the guys have been playing well and I just wanted to come in and hopefully help out," said Lombardi, who hadn't scored a goal since Oct. 22. "I think we just had a real good team effort tonight. That's a great team we played against, they work real hard."

--D Keith Yandle has not only filled the void on an injury-riddled Phoenix defense, he's thrived with the added responsibility. He had a goal and three assists in his last five games, averaging more than 25 minutes of ice time a game. With Ed Jovanovski and Zybnek Michalek out, Yandle has stepped up his defensive play while continuing to contribute on offense.

--G Ilya Bryzgalov wasn't tested often, but came up big when he had to in making 23 saves and once again holding the opposition to two goals or less. Only Scott Hartnell's second period goal prevented him from a fourth shutout this season but it wasn't enough to keep the Coyotes from winning. Bryzgalov allowed five goals in three games over four nights, and Phoenix has ridden his play to collect five of six possible points.

--LW Vernon Fiddler continues his impressive play. He was a key component of the Coyotes penalty kill that denied the Flyers on all five power-play chances Saturday, including one on the final five minutes with Phoenix clinging to a one-goal lead. He won nine of 17 face-offs and was a plus-one for the night despite playing against a high-powered Philadelphia line.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--D Ed Jovanovski (lower body injury) missed his seventh consecutive game after suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 5. Jovanovski appears to be the closest of three injured Phoenix defensemen to returning, and there is hope for him to play this coming week

--D Zbynek Michalek (lower body injury) missed his eighth straight game and is not expected to be ready in the near future. He is on the injured reserve list.

--D Kurt Sauer (upper body injury) missed his 22nd straight game. He has not played since opening day Oct. 3, and there is no timetable for his return.

--C Matthew Lombardi returned after missing the last three games with an upper-body injury, and has an immediate impact with a goal and a first-assist on Keith Yandle's game-winning goal.