PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NHL Thursday Terminator
(NHL) Detroit vs. Arizona,
Money Line: 111.00 Arizona (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: 111.00 Arizona (Home)
Result: Loss
Record-wise, Detroit and Arizona are very similar. Each has won 22 games with Arizona playing one fewer game.
But given that they are playing their finest hockey of the season, are in a very strong situation with this matchup, have a red-hot goalie and opened as a home underdog, the Coyotes present excellent value here.
Let's start with the spot - it's highly favorable for the Coyotes. They have been home for the past week enjoying their longest homestand of the season. Contrast this with the Red Wings, who are playing in their sixth consecutive road game. The Red Wings haven't been home since Dec. 31. They finally fly back to Detroit following this matchup to host Philadelphia on Sunday. This isn't a desperation spot for the Red Wings as they've had a very successful trip going 4-1. They have to be itching to finally return home, though, which could affect their concentration.
Arizona is even hotter than Detroit.
The Coyotes have won four in a row. They are 9-2-3 in their last 14 games and 10-4 during their last 14 home games. The Coyotes are averaging 3.5 goals per game in their last seven games. That mark would lead the NHL in scoring if it were for the entire season.
Arizona has a stronger offense than Detroit ranking first in faceoffs, fifth in goals and 11th in power plays. The Coyotes have six players with 10 or more goals. Only Washington has more double-digit goal scorers.
Detroit ranks 21st in goals, 25th in shots on goal and ranks 26th in power play goals. Only once in their last 13 power play opportunities have the Red Wings scored.
The major key, however, for the Coyotes' surge isn't just offense, but the fantastic goal tending of Louis Domingue. He's yielded only only six goals in the last four games and is undefeated in regulation during his nine starts going 7-0-2. Domingue is expected to get the start again versus Detroit.
The Coyotes should continue their sense of urgency with a revenge motive having lost 5-1 to the Red Wings in Detroit in early December. Domingue was not in goal for that game.
But given that they are playing their finest hockey of the season, are in a very strong situation with this matchup, have a red-hot goalie and opened as a home underdog, the Coyotes present excellent value here.
Let's start with the spot - it's highly favorable for the Coyotes. They have been home for the past week enjoying their longest homestand of the season. Contrast this with the Red Wings, who are playing in their sixth consecutive road game. The Red Wings haven't been home since Dec. 31. They finally fly back to Detroit following this matchup to host Philadelphia on Sunday. This isn't a desperation spot for the Red Wings as they've had a very successful trip going 4-1. They have to be itching to finally return home, though, which could affect their concentration.
Arizona is even hotter than Detroit.
The Coyotes have won four in a row. They are 9-2-3 in their last 14 games and 10-4 during their last 14 home games. The Coyotes are averaging 3.5 goals per game in their last seven games. That mark would lead the NHL in scoring if it were for the entire season.
Arizona has a stronger offense than Detroit ranking first in faceoffs, fifth in goals and 11th in power plays. The Coyotes have six players with 10 or more goals. Only Washington has more double-digit goal scorers.
Detroit ranks 21st in goals, 25th in shots on goal and ranks 26th in power play goals. Only once in their last 13 power play opportunities have the Red Wings scored.
The major key, however, for the Coyotes' surge isn't just offense, but the fantastic goal tending of Louis Domingue. He's yielded only only six goals in the last four games and is undefeated in regulation during his nine starts going 7-0-2. Domingue is expected to get the start again versus Detroit.
The Coyotes should continue their sense of urgency with a revenge motive having lost 5-1 to the Red Wings in Detroit in early December. Domingue was not in goal for that game.
