NHL Game Preview: Phoenix Coyotes @ Tampa Bay Lightning (3/16/2010)
During all of the march madness odds it is easy to overlook the fact that the Tampa Bay Lightning have snuck up to within four points of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Ever since the trade deadline the sports betting community has been picking the Phoenix Coyotes to win almost every night, and for the most part the Coyotes have delivered. This game is a story of a team trying desperately to cling to life, and another team looking to establish their new-found dominance.
Goaltending
This will be like a March madness contest between two teams looking to move up in the bracket. The goaltending difference is glaring between these two teams, and could be the difference in the game.
As is the case when figuring odds on NCAA basketball, defense is important in the NHL. The Lightning have been using a platoon of two goalies and neither can seem to get the job done or lay claim to the number one goalie spot. Antero Niittymaki was supposed to be the starter but the Lightning have turned to using Mike Smith as well and neither has played exceptional. Niittymaki remains the de facto number one goalie because he has a winning record, but he has been pulled several times this season and leave instability in the Tampa nets.
The Coyotes have Ilya Bryzgalov and have no problems between the pipes. Bryzgalov is in the top of the league in shut-outs, wins and goals against average. He has also won four of his last five games with two of those wins being shut-outs.
Offense
The Coyotes have 10 players with double-digit goals and one of those players is the recently acquired Lee Stempniak from Toronto. Throw in the other superstar new addition in Wojtek Wolski from Colorado and it is easy to see why the Coyotes are surging at the right time.
The Lightning are getting the majority of their offense from Steven Stamkos, Martin St. Louis, Ryan Malone and Vincent Lecavalier. That is not enough to establish a winning season and it is showing in the standings.
Defense
The difference between Tampa goals against and goals for is -27. That is really all that needs to be said about their goaltending, their defense and their offense. It is lacking, and it is hard to win games when you cannot put the puck in the net.
The Phoenix production has picked up steadily in the past two weeks to the point where they are +18 in their goals against versus goals for differential. It is good to see a team make the right trades and then benefit from them.
Bottom Line
There is a very good chance that the Lightning will put up a good fight in this game. Their top scorers will put pressure on Bryzgalov and the Phoenix defense, but in the end it may not be enough. With the new high-flying Coyotes on the ice, the team is looking to establish itself for a playoff run. This game will be another statement game by the new Coyotes.
Pick: Phoenix Coyotes 4-2
Original Story:
http://www.theonetimer.com/2010/03/15...
