| 02 February 2010
Phoenix Coyotes (33-18-1-4) at Nashville Predators(30-21-2-1)
NHL Hockey: Tuesday February 2, 2010 8 PM EST
The Line: Nashville -145 Phoenix + 125 Over/ Under 5 1/2
Two Western Conference playoff contenders square off in Nashville tonight as the suprising Phoenix Coyotes take on the fading Predators as both teams look to secure their spots in the NHL's post season.
Who would have thought at the beginning of the 2009-2010 NHL season that in the week leading up to the Olympic break that the Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes would be in contention for a Western Conference playoff berth, and among conversations of potential spoiler roles to the Conference's big wigs? That is exactly what is happening as the Coyotes continue their impressive season as they currently sit in 4th place in the West with 71 points. Phoenix's success this season is attributed to the play of Ilya Bryzgalov who is in discussions as this year's Vezina winner, as well as a balanced attack up front, and a staggering home record. The Coyotes lack the game breaking talent that many other contenders possess however they have a lot of playmakers, and a solid defensive core.
The Predators had a stellar start to the season but have since played mediocre hockey and have slipped in the Western Conference standings sitting in 7th as the break approaches. Nashville will look to get back to their early season form as the trade deadline approaches and should be buyers as they look to make a serious push towards the Stanley Cup finals.
This is a tough game to call as both teams will be looking to separate themselves from the teams trailing them in the conference, but I feel like the Preds need this one more. These two teams play a very similar style of game, and I look for Pekka Rinne to secure his spot as the starter over Dan Ellis in Nashville with a solid performance tonight. Also, the Coyotes are without Scottie Upshall who was the sole reason the Coyotes beat the Preds the last time these two teams played. Preds take a close one 3-1.
Kyle's Pick: Nashville Predators and Under 5.5
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