(My Sportsbook) - The Phoenix Coyotes porous defensive unit could be getting a boost later in the week with the expected return of Todd Simpson against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.

"It's been feeling really good." Simpson told the Arizona Republic. "It's been getting a lot better, stronger. I've been skating hard and have been able to pass and dig the puck out along the railing."

Simpson has been sidelined since October 12 after breaking his right hand in a fight with Dallas' Manny Malhotra.

"He probably could have played Sunday [against Nashville] if he had to, but it was probably good to wait just a little longer," head coach Bob Francis said.

Simpson's return could not come at a better time for Phoenix, which has allowed a Western Conference-worst 42 goals this season. Only the Rangers (47), Islanders (47) and hapless Atlanta Thrashers (43) have given up more.

Defensemen Paul Mara (3g, 2a),Danny Markov (1g, 3a), Teppo Numminen (1g, 2a), Radoslav Suchy (1g, 1a) and Ossi Vaananen have struggled to a combined minus-24.

However, the team's penalty kill is ranked 14th in the league, allowing only 13 power-play goals in 80 shorthanded chances (83.8-percent).

The Coyotes, at 5-7-0-1, have begun to play better and have taken two of their last three following a three-game losing streak.

On Sunday, Daniel Briere's second goal of the season lifted Phoenix to a 2-1 overtime win over the Nashville Predators.

Briere took a great pass from Ladislav Nagy while on the power play in the extra session and blasted a shot past Preds netminder Tomas Vokoun.

"I faked the shot twice and then I had the opening and went over his shoulder," said Briere. "We knew it was a critical game. Between the first and the second we had a talk between each other and we came out very strong in the last period."

"Hopefully this overtime win will give us some emotion, something to get us going and carry us through the next two home games."

WHAT'S NEXT

The Coyotes conclude a three-game homestand with visits from the Wild and Vancouver Canucks this week.