December 28 2013 Expert NHL Picks
The Bruins came back and put 5 goals on the board last night to make that over a “push”, and the Devils/Blue Jackets game couldn’t make it over the total. We finished the night with a tie and a loss. There’s 8 games on the board tonight and we have one play going for members:
Phoenix Coyotes @ Anaheim Ducks: DUCKS in Regulation 1.97
*Risk: 2 Units | Win: 1.94 Units (Members Only Pick)*
Who could bet against the Ducks at Home? The Ducks have an incredible record at Home (13-0-2) and are the only team remaining in the NHL to have not lost a game at Home in regulation time so far this season. The Phoenix Coyotes played at Home last night, suffering a 4-3 shootout loss against the San Jose Sharks, but managed to gain a much needed point with their shootout loss. The Anaheim offense is one of the best in the NHL, (currently 3rd) scoring 3.20 goals per game overall, while their defense also remains solid allowing only 2.41 goals against per game (8th) overall. These numbers are impressive, but get even better when the Ducks play at Home. Over their 15 Home games this season, the Ducks have scored 3.73 goals per game, while allowing only 1.73 goals against per game at Home. The Ducks have won 9 straight games in a row and currently sit 2nd overall in the NHL with 59 points, behind the Chicago Blackhawks whom have 60 points, but have played 1 more game than the Ducks have. The Coyotes have been struggling to score goals as of late, and it isn’t going to get any easier tonight against the Ducks who have one of the best defenses in the NHL when playing at Home. Over their last 10 games, the Coyotes have scored only 2.30 goals per game, which is less than their average of 2.97 goals per game (6th) overall. When the Coyotes play Away they can only score 2.57 goals per game on average. Although the Coyotes have had a decent offense this season, their defense has been none too impressive. The Coyotes defense allows as many goals as their offense can score (2.97 GA/G) which is the 6th worst defense in the NHL. The Ducks special teams are impressive at Home, maintaining a 20.0 PP% and a 87.2 PK% while Phoenix has a 15.5 PP%, and a 80.0 PK% when playing Away. The Coyotes are playing on no rest, while the Ducks have had 5 days since their last outing (a 3-2 victory against Washington) on December 23. On three days rest or more, the Ducks are a perfect 2-0 after a win. The Anaheim Ducks are well rested, haven’t lost a game in regulation time at Home so far this season, while the Coyotes are struggling to score goals and must face the red hot Ducks (at Home) on no rest tonight. We’ll take the Ducks to defeat the Coyotes in regulation time tonight.
