Coyotes’ 4-1 loss to the Wild: By the numbers

In a battle between two teams vying for the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference, the Phoenix Coyotes fell to the Minnesota Wild 4-1 at Jobing.com Arena. For Phoenix, it marked a third home loss in its last four games.

Here’s a look back at the three-goal loss by the numbers:

1:

The Wild received the bulk of their scoring from 26-year-old right winger Justin Fontaine, who recorded his first career hat trick — which included two third period goals.

2:

Goaltender Mike Smith has given up at least two goals at home in 12 straight games dating back to a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 29.

4:

Smith has also allowed four combined goals in each of the last two third periods he’s played. Heading into both frames, the Coyotes either were tied or held a lead.

5-2:

Jobing.com Arena has served as a home away from home for Minnesota of late. Thursday’s win moved the Wild’s record to 5-2 in games played in the Valley since 2011.

10:

Thursday marked the 10-year anniversary of former Coyotes netminder Brian Boucher’s modern-day NHL record fifth consecutive shutout — which coincidentally came against the Wild.

17.6

While their might not be a goalie controversy yet for Phoenix, Smith’s play of late has been concerning to say the least. The 31-year-old has three victories in his last 17 starts good for a winning percentage of .176.

26:22:

After missing the last two games due to an upper-body injury, Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to the lineup against Minnesota, recording a team-high four shots and 26:22 of ice time.

30:

Mikkel Boedker reached the 30-point mark for the first time in his career Thursday thanks to a second period tally. Boedker now has six points in his last five games.

39:

Niklas Backstrom came into the contest averaging 28.4 saves per contest in 23 career appearances against Phoenix. In the 4-1 win Thursday, he had 39 saves.

300:

Even in a losing effort, Thursday was a bit of a milestone for two members of the Coyotes. Both Mike Smith and Mikkel Boedker were playing in their 300th career NHL game.