BOSTON BRUINS @ PHOENIX COYOTES
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011, 9:00PM US
(2:00AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

Boston are in town to play Phoenix, and simply put, they are no match for the surging Bruins, who have won 6 straight games and are on an 8-2 run over their last 10. Phoenix are on a 2 game losing streak, and have a 4-6 recent run.

The reigning champs have not played the Coyotes this year, but in their last game, last October, came away with a 3-0 win. Boston should have no lapse in concentration, as this is the first game of a 3 game road-trip. They thumped Florida 8-0 in their last match and have been resting and preparing for this one for 4 days!

Phoenix have a problem, in that their starting goaltender, Mike Smith, is out. In his place they will have Jason LaBarbera, who does not look like he will be able to deal with the offence Boston bring. His last 3 appearances have seen him ship 10 goals!

A word on home ice advantage. There is none. Phoenix are 7-8-2 on home ice, while Boston are an incredible 10-3-0 when playing as visitors. Boston are giving up just 1.88 goals per game, and that drops to 1.77 when away. The Bruins score 3.52 per game but 3.77 when visiting other teams!

Phoenix are scoring less at home that they are overall and letting in more at home than they are overall. All the stats, along with the current form, point to one thing. A Boston win.

BETTING VERDICT

Boston should win this one within 3 periods with ease. Regulation time win at very tasty odds.

The Pick :

Boston in regulation

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Boston Bruins -0.5 (Regulation) @ 2.01 (Pinnacle)