Wile E. Coyote
The Vancouver Canucks, fresh off an uninspiring win at Colorado head to Phoenix to take on the surprisingly hot Phoenix Coyotes. Vancouver is certainly in for a test against a team that has won four of their last six games and has one of the hottest goaltenders in the NHL.
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Vancouver Canucks (11-9-0-1) at Phoenix Coyotes (11-6-1-2)
When: 9:00 PM ET, Friday, November 25, 2011
Where: Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona
Broadcast: SNET-P (HD), FS-A (HD)
Canucks vs. Coyotes Betting Lines from Bovada.lv
Spread: Coyotes -1 ½ (+240)
Moneyline: Canucks +100: Coyotes -110
Over/Under: 5 ½ goals
Vancouver has yet to find the form that terrorized the league last season. The Canucks are attempting to win their third straight game for the first time this season. Nobody is really hot for the Vancouver Canucks except for their backup goaltender.
There is a chance that they will get Roberto Luongo back forcing Canucks fans to grapple with the question – Is that a good thing?
The drama never stops in Vancouver doesn’t it!
So who will it be?
Here’s my guess – Cory Schneider who stopped 28 shots in Sunday’s 2-1 overtime win over Ottawa and then went on to finish with 24 saves in a 3-0 win at Colorado- his second career shutout.
Vancouver has quietly won five of their last seven games and still boasts the best offense in the NHL. The interesting thing about this game is that Phoenix is just behind Vancouver in goals for per game – 2.9 for Vancouver and 2.85 for Phoenix.
Phoenix has been getting some good offensive efforts from their top guys lately – Radim Vrbata has five goals in his last three games and 11 in the first 20 this season and Shane Doan has 2 goals and 2 assists in his last five games. Ray Whitney has also played very well. The one weakness with the Coyotes is on Special teams.
Canucks vs. Coyotes Handicapping Preview
They are 13% on the power play – half as efficient as the Vancouver Canucks.
Make no mistake about it – Phoenix is five games over .500 because of one man – Mike Smith who is 8-1-1 with a 1.87 goals-against average in his last 10 games and on the season is he’s 10-3-3 with a goals against average of 2.15 and a save percentage of .935.
Smith is on fire – Vancouver will have their work cut out for them!
Dave’s Free Canucks Betting Predictions
Last season the visiting team won every game in the series. Expect that to change on Friday night. For me it’s simple – Vancouver looks just average right now and Phoenix is definitely above average at this moment.
Vancouver will get better but at this point of the season they will have a tough time getting on a roll.
Their temporary roll stops Friday!
Pick: Phoenix Coyotes -110
Here are a few interesting Player Props for Friday’s game:
Dan Hamhuis Points
Line = 0.5 Over (1.75) | Under (1.50)
Shane Doan Points
Line = 0.5 Over (1.70) | Under (1.55)
Henrik Sedin Points
Line = 1.5 Over (1.75) | Under (1.50)
Daniel Sedin Shots on Goal
Line = 3.5 Over (1.45) | Under (1.80)
Ryan Kesler Goals
Line = 0.5 Over (1.80) | Under (1.45)
Alex Burrows Shots on Goal
Line = 3.5 Over (1.80) | Under (1.45)
Phoenix Shots on Goal
Line = 30.5 Over (1.60) | Under (1.60)
Phoenix Power Play Goals
Line = 0.5 Over (1.80) | Under (1.45)
About Dave B
