PREMIUM
The Coach's Friday Night NHL *SURE SHOT*
(NHL) Florida vs. Calgary,
Money Line: -142.00 Calgary (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -142.00 Calgary (Home)
Result: Loss
The Calgary Flames are closing out a six game home-stand as they host the Florida Panthers tonight. They opened with three consecutive wins followed by two losses but must be motivated to complete the season series sweep against the Panthers here after a comfortable win in Florida earlier in the season. The visitors are in the middle of a six game road-trip winning two of the first three, but should struggle here playing on back-to-back nights.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Goaltending - The Panthers could turn to backup goalie Al Montoya tonight, and he is 0-4 with a 3.65 GAA over his last four games and has already faced the Flames once as he conceded five goals in a 6-4 loss in Florida on November 8. The Flames don't have much of an option with Karri Ramo on the injured reserve and Jonas HIller will make a ninth consecutive start. He's been solid of late, allowing only nine goals over his last five starts at home.
2. Fatigue - To put it simple, the Panthers worked their a** off in last night's 3-1 win at Vancouver. They played with great intensity hustling and pressuring the Nucks players all over the rink. Can they keep that up two night's in a row? I think not.
3. X-Factor - The Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau is leading the team with 13 goals and ranks second for rookies with his 31 points. He had one goal and two assists in the first meeting this season and I think he'll play a major part tonight as well.
Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames (8*)
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Goaltending - The Panthers could turn to backup goalie Al Montoya tonight, and he is 0-4 with a 3.65 GAA over his last four games and has already faced the Flames once as he conceded five goals in a 6-4 loss in Florida on November 8. The Flames don't have much of an option with Karri Ramo on the injured reserve and Jonas HIller will make a ninth consecutive start. He's been solid of late, allowing only nine goals over his last five starts at home.
2. Fatigue - To put it simple, the Panthers worked their a** off in last night's 3-1 win at Vancouver. They played with great intensity hustling and pressuring the Nucks players all over the rink. Can they keep that up two night's in a row? I think not.
3. X-Factor - The Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau is leading the team with 13 goals and ranks second for rookies with his 31 points. He had one goal and two assists in the first meeting this season and I think he'll play a major part tonight as well.
Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames (8*)