NHL Hockey
2010-04-16 - Detroit Red Wings at Phoenix Coyotes
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
Ice Hockey: Western Conference Quarter Final Game 2
Saturday 17th April 2010 - Start 3am GMT
Phoenix Coyotes Lead Series 1-0
Preview
The Phoenix Coyotes surprised a few people with their home win over the Detroit Red Wings in game 1 a couple of nights ago and they will feel if they can wrap up this game, they have a very good chance of causing an upset in the series.
The Coyotes are defensively superb and rely on this to keep the team competitive in every game they play. Phoenix conceded the fewest goals in the entire Western Conference but only managed to score 15 more goals and that is the main reason why they have been involved in so many tight games.
Phoenix have proved very tough to beat here in Arizona and have compiled a 29-10-2 record here.
The Red Wings almost missed the playoffs for the first time in 20 seasons this season, but a superb run towards the end of the season not only got them into the post season, but also gained them the Number 5 seed in the West. They came into the playoffs off the back of a 16-3-2 run since the Winter Olympics were concluded.
Detroit had been very effective on their special teams front in recent games and will be disappointed that they lost the opening match due to their lack of penalty kills and not taking enough advantage of their own penalties.
The Red Wings are 19-14-3 on the road this season.
The 2 teams split the season series 2-2 this season and both won 1 game on their opposition ice.
Detroit had come into this match winning 8 of their last 9 matches while Phoenix won 3 of their last 4 matches after losing 4 of 5 before that.
Prediction
Phoenix were expected to struggle in the playoffs because their offense is not governed by an elite player. Their defence remains a key to their success and if they are as effective with their special teams as they were in Game 1, they could really put the cat among the pigeons for Detroit.
The Red Wings were considered one of the real dangers in the playoffs after they picked up some real heat towards the end of the campaign. They are the reigning Western Conference Champions and have the know how and experience to change their fortunes here.
I think we can expect an improved special teams effort from the Red Wings here and that could make the difference between going back to Detroit with the series in their hands or facing a mountain to climb.
I am going to pick the Red Wings to win this game on the moneyline which would cover the scenario of overtime and a shootout.
The Pick :
Phoenix Coyotes 2-3 Detroit Red Wings (OT)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Detroit Red Wings WIN @ 1.74 (Ladbrokes)
