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Coyotes vs. Blackhawks Game 4 NHL Playoff Free Picks | Preview

Phoenix Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks Pick

What had been one of the least nasty series’ in this year’s playoffs has suddenly turned a little testy after Raffi Torres introduced himself to Marion Hossa in what of the hits of the playoffs so far.

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Coyotes vs. Blackhawks Betting Lines from betonline.com
When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, April 19, 2012
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Broadcast: TSN, CNBC, RDS2, FS-A PLUS (HD), CSN-CH (HD)

Coyotes lead series 2-1
Spread: Blackhawks -1 ½ (+185)
Moneyline: Coyotes +143: Blackhawks -157
Over/Under: 5 ½ goals

Matchup | Preview 

The two teams are back at it on Thursday night as the Hawks try to even the series against a Phoenix team that has won all three games that they have played in Chicago this year.

The Phoenix Coyotes won back home ice advantage on Tuesday night and now are two wins away from their first franchise win since the team moved from Winnipeg. Phoenix will be forced to play without spark plug Raffi Torres on Thursday night however – his open ice hit has resulted in what could be a lengthy suspension. Still they are getting offense from some unlikely sources – Mikkel Boedker has two points in two games, Antoine Vermette has three points in three games and Rotislav Klesla scored a goal and added two assists the other night. If Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata can get going, the Coyotes will be a handful.

Goaltender Mike Smith has been typically sharp for Phoenix – he has simply outplayed Corey Crawford so far in the series. Smith stopped 33 of 35 shots on Tuesday and is now 2-1 in the series with a 2.25 goals against average and a .939 save percentage. [ad-4437448]

The Chicago Blackhawks let one slip away on Tuesday night – surprising considering that they are one of the best teams in the NHL on home ice. They did dominate overtime on Tuesday and some would argue that they were unlucky to have lost. It’s back at it on Thursday night – this time without Marion Hossa who was second on the team in scoring during the regular season. Patrick Kane has four assists in the series, Bryan Bickell and David Bolland have two points apiece in their last two games but the Hawks will need more from Jonathan Toews who should be in game shape after returning from injury three games ago.

As previously mentioned, Chicago’s goaltending has to get better. It is not that Corey Crawford has been awful but it has been the lack of a big save at the right time and the inability to get away from a weak goal against that has plagued this team.

Betting Prediction: The Chicago Blackhawks are in for a fight – that’s for sure! But home ice advantage should benefit them in a big way Thursday night. We all have seen in the last couple of seasons what the Hawks team is capable of when their backs are against the wall. Look for Chicago’s big guns to step up in the absence of Hossa and for the team to rally around their wounded team mate. This series should be tied heading back to Phoenix!

Pick: Chicago Blackhawks

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By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.

One reply on “Coyotes vs. Blackhawks Game 4 NHL Playoff Free Picks | Preview”

I cannot believe that sports have become this fixed! Cheap shots! I’ll give Tanya Harding more respect than that ice fairy Mike Smith! He is a real chode in person, treats fans like peasants, wouldn’t sign an autograph for a 4 year old & he was rude to him too…too bad he didn’t stay down on the ice when he was “hurt.” grade-A douche!! A win is a win, but a fixed win, or a cheap-shot win, is a DISGRACE!!!!! Am I going to get fined $10,000 for being honest too?

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