NHL Hockey
2012-05-07 - Nashville Predators at Phoenix Coyotes
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Monday, May 7th, 2012, 10:00PM US
(3:00AM GMT)
PREVIEW
The Coyotes made sure they won both their home games against the Predators to start this series. Phoenix took Game 1 in OT 4-3 and then made it a 2-0 lead by taking the 2nd game 5-3. After allowing 9 goals through the first two games, Nashville came back home and got it done very effectively, blanking the potent offence with a 2-0 win with a standout performance from goaltender Pekka Rinne. The Predators were once again excellent in defence, allowing just 1 goal in Game 4. Unfortunately, they were unable to find the net and lost it to fall 1-3 behind. Back in Phoenix now, it's a must win game for the Preds.
Nashville left forwards Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn out of their line-up for disciplinary problems, and while it did not affect them that much in Game 3, the team suffered in that last match, and both men should be back on the ice here to help salvage the series.
Matt Halischuk and Jordin Tootoo came in and did well in Game 3 but were not as effective the next time out. Nashville's leading scorer, Patric Hornqvist, has somehow not be as prolific as expected, and I'm going to say he will probably break out today in a crunch situation. So far he had 27 goals in the regular season but only 1 so far in the playoffs. Sooner or later that has to change and as I find it surprising that he has been kept quiet so far, it's worth betting he does well here.
Bear in mind that while Phoenix are home, 3-1 up and requiring just the 1 win to close the series out, they have never progressed to a Conference Final in franchise history. There will be serious nerves in play here and it will cause them to wobble. The Predators will be there to take advantage, and I can see them narrowly edging this to make things interesting.
BETTING VERDICT
I think the selection here has to be Nashville. I will take the regulation time bet at a massive price.
The Pick :
Nashville Predators
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take the Nashville Predators -0.5 (Regulation) @ 2.71 (Pinnacle)
