1-0-0 since my 6-day hiatus!
PHOENIX +.5 (+120) 1 unit
PHOENIX (+170) 1 unit
The Coyotes have been playing inspired hockey since Boucher's injury, having Zack Bierk keeping the pucks out of the net. This has brought confidence back to their game and they are in the fight every game. Last 7 games they were at least within 1 goal of their opponents final score (I don't include the Bues' two empty-netters in that 4-1 loss). They are playing a team that is missing three key components, Comrie, Laraque and Smyth. The Oilers have played good hockey with those key guys out of the lineup. Their win against the Wings came against a goalie who has struggled all season and where badly outshot. Phoenix slowed their tempo in the last two periods of the the Calagary game but still managed to score 3 goals on 11 shots in those two periods, sign of a team playing with confidence. I always said that this team has a chance against any team if they have good goaltending and if... Bri?re plays like he can. He has been playing well last 4 games. The only scare I have is Boucher. Will he save his backup job by having a good performance or will he screw it up and see another "Bierk" take it? My money is on Phoenix tonight.
Good luck to you all!
PHOENIX +.5 (+120) 1 unit
PHOENIX (+170) 1 unit
The Coyotes have been playing inspired hockey since Boucher's injury, having Zack Bierk keeping the pucks out of the net. This has brought confidence back to their game and they are in the fight every game. Last 7 games they were at least within 1 goal of their opponents final score (I don't include the Bues' two empty-netters in that 4-1 loss). They are playing a team that is missing three key components, Comrie, Laraque and Smyth. The Oilers have played good hockey with those key guys out of the lineup. Their win against the Wings came against a goalie who has struggled all season and where badly outshot. Phoenix slowed their tempo in the last two periods of the the Calagary game but still managed to score 3 goals on 11 shots in those two periods, sign of a team playing with confidence. I always said that this team has a chance against any team if they have good goaltending and if... Bri?re plays like he can. He has been playing well last 4 games. The only scare I have is Boucher. Will he save his backup job by having a good performance or will he screw it up and see another "Bierk" take it? My money is on Phoenix tonight.
Good luck to you all!
