The Arizona Coyotes failed to complete a perfect four-game homestand as they suffered a 5-2 loss to the Flames Monday night. It won't be easy to rebound with a win against the Western Conference leading Dallas Stars who are entering this contest as winners of five of their last six, and I'm backing the home team at American Airlines Center tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Special Teams - The Yotes have killed of just 13-of-20 shorthanded situations through their last five games and their penalty kill ranks among the three worst in the NHL. The Stars have among the most efficient power play units in the league and should get plenty of chances to play on the man advantage against the struggling Coyotes.

2. Home Cookin' - The Stars have won three straight and five of their last six in front of the home fans. They've sent the Coyotes packing as losers in each of the last six meetings at Dallas. The Yotes have lost 10 of their past 12 on the road, with the two wins coming at the lowly Edmonton and Calgary.

3. X-Factor - Dallas' captain Jamie Benn scored twice in Tuesday's 5-2 win over Nashville and has seven goals with eight assists in 13 games this month.

Selection: This is a play on the Dallas Stars (5*)