So much for the free play win streak as the Hawks needed a strong second half to get past the shorthanded Pelicans. Atlanta came very close to covering anyway, with the Pelicans knocking down a three at the horn to land the game on eight. But based on the way the Hawks played early, this was a wrong side. Let’s try for a better result with one on the ice tonight.
OILERS at COYOTES
Take: COYOTES -140
There are a handful of nominees for the NHL’s biggest early surprise team. The Arizona Coyotes are definitely on that list. This entry was supposed to be strictly bottom of the barrel this season. But the Coyotes have gotten tremendous production from a couple of rookies and longtime coach Dave Tippett is once again proving he is very adept at getting the best from what he’s got available.
The Coyotes appear to be well positioned to notch another win tonight. Edmonton will be on the second of back to back games, and the Oilers are off a thrilling overtime win at Anaheim on Thursday night.
I’m not sure what the Oilers will have left in the tank tonight. They were really extended in a third period that was dominated by the Ducks and yet somehow the Oilers got the game to OT. Edmonton then got the game winner on a breakaway after the Ducks completely fouled up a line change.
(This has nothing to do with tonight’s game analysis, but hey Bruce Boudreau, are you kidding? The Ducks keep on getting caught making ill-timed line changes in the 3-on-3 OT format. Is is really that complicated, Coach?)
Edmonton has a long term hideous record playing with no rest. They’re also now going to be facing a true nemesis, as Arizona goalie Mike Smith has simply owned the Oilers throughout his career. I really like the speed of that Domi line for the Coyotes and feel as though the home team will have a good chance to get a leg up early here if the Oilers are indeed a bit fatigued coming out of the thriller at The Pond. (Yeah, I know that’s not the name of the building anymore, but I like it and will continue to use it.)
No particular value as far as the price is concerned, as this is by no means cheap. But it looks like a playable spot for me, and I’ll therefore spot the 7/5 odds and will back the Coyotes this evening.
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2* CFB Best Bet goes tonight!