NHL Free Pick: New Jersey Devils vs Phoenix Coyotes
Hockey betting fans sure are getting their money’s worth from the free nhl picks we give out here at Capperspicks.com.
Team records:
New Jersey: 32-11-1
Phoenix: 26-16-5
Tonight, 9:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Devils -130, Coyotes +110
It’s no surprise that the Devils aren’t relinquishing their hold atop the Eastern Conference standings, but what’s with the Coyotes staying alive in the West? They just…won’t…go…away. That said, there are signs of an imminent collapse. They’ve lost three straight games. More importantly, the basis of their success, Ilya Bryzgalov, has gone cold, sporting a 4.27 goals against average over four January starts. As he goes, the Coyotes go. None of the Phoenix youngsters, including blue chippers Martin Hanzal and Peter Mueller, has stepped up to generate offense. Team scoring leader Matt Lombardi has just 28 points in 43 games.
So there’s no hope for Phoenix, right? Well, let’s not jump to conclusions. I see upset potential tonight. The Devils are playing Game 3 of a five-game road trip and traveled from New York cross-country to Phoenix for this one. That’s the type of long hike that always seems to give teams trouble in the NFL; maybe the principle applies for hockey as well?
Martin Brodeur’s career goals against average is 2.20, his career save percentage .914. His career numbers rise above those totals versus Vancouver, San Jose, Edmonton, Nashville, St. Louis…whether it’s because he doesn’t see them much or struggles when he travels West, Brodeur is at times beatable when he makes the long haul to places like Phoenix (against whom is numbers match his career norms).
It’s not an iron-clad reason to pick the Coyotes but the Devils are due to lay an egg. Take a chance tonight.
NHL Betting Trends:
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Jersey’s last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey’s last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Phoenix’s last 16 games at home
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Pick: Coyotes +110
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Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.
