Posted on
1/17/2008 3:11:11 PM
Bet On NHL - Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Phoenix Coyotes
By Robby Maddux
The Columbus Blue Jackets (+115) set a franchise record for the longest home winning streak at six in their last game in a 3-2 victory over Vancouver on Tuesday at Value City Arena, but now they head to the desert to take on the Phoenix Coyotes (-135), who seek their fifth consecutive home win.
- Blue Jackets are 4-11 in their last 15 games following a win.
The Blue Jackets will be looking to avoid a season high-tying third straight road loss, and its six victories away from home are the fewest in the Western Conference.
The Blue Jackets have had some recent success on the Coyotes' home ice, going 2-0-1 after recording six losses and three ties there since joining the NHL in 2000.
One of those victories was a 3-0 win over Phoenix on Oct. 10. Pascal Leclaire made 32 saves for one of his league-leading seven shutouts.
- Blue Jackets are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. Pacific.
- Blue Jackets are 2-5 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
- Blue Jackets are 58-162-10 in their last 230 road games.
On Tuesday, Phoenix got a goal and three assists from All-Star defenseman Ed Jovanovski in a 5-3 home win over San Jose.
- Coyotes are 7-3 in their last 10 games following a win.
Shane Doan added two goals and an assist, and rookie Peter Mueller had a career-high three assists as the Coyotes improved to 9-10-1 at home. The surge at Jobing.com Arena also has the Coyotes in the running for their first playoff appearance since 2001-02.
Ilya Bryzgalov made 21 saves Tuesday for Phoenix en route to winning his third straight home start. Since joining Phoenix in November off waivers from Anaheim, Bryzgalov is 6-3-1 with a 1.87 goals-against average at home. He lost his only career start against the Blue Jackets on Jan. 5, 2007 while with the Ducks.
- Coyotes are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. Western Conference.
- Coyotes are 4-11 in their last 15 vs. Central.
- Coyotes are 7-3 in their last 10 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Coyotes are 7-2 in their last 9 overall.
NHL odds list Phoenix the money-line favorites of -135 and -1½ +200 on the spread with a game total of 5 over -120.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets are a much lesser team on the road, where they are 6-12-2. As well, Columbus is a dismal 2-7-2 in the last eleven meetings played in Phoenix.
NHL Free Picks: Phoenix Coyotes -135
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