We have another massive slate of NHL games on tap for today. There was originally 13 games scheduled to take place but, with Ottawa’s ongoing COVID-19 issues, only 12 are taking place. The biggest game of the night is the Minnesota Wild vs the Florida Panthers in a battle between first place teams.
Detroit Red Wings @ Arizona Coyotes
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Detroit Red Wings: 8-9-2, 4th Atlantic (3-7 Away)
- Arizona Coyotes: 2-13-2, 8th Central (1-4-1 Home)
| Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total | |
| Detroit Red Wings | -120 | -140 | -1.5 (+155) | o5.5 (+100) |
| Arizona Coyotes | +100 | +120 | +1.5 (-175) | u5.5 (-120) |
Trends:
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit’s last 9 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit’s last 5 games on the road.
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona’s last 10 games.
The Detroit Red Wings had a hot start to the season but, have regressed due to a 1-4 skid. They’ve lost their last three games being outscored 15-7. However, they face a struggling Coyotes team tonight where they look to turn things around. Arizona currently has the worst record in the league with just 6 points through 17 games.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings offense hasn’t been great this year with the third worst goals for above expected (-8.67). The good news for them is that they are generating a ton of chances with a 42.67 expected goals for. They also lead the league with 50 high danger shots for which is an encouraging sign. If they can take advantage of these scoring opportunities they should be able to get back on track. Lucas Raymond leads the team with 18 points through 19 games followed by Bertuzzi (17) and Larkin (15).
On the other side of the puck, Detroit has struggled causing most of their woes. They have a +2.47 goals against above expected meaning they are allowing more goals than the analytics have predicted. They’re 5th worst in the league in goals against per 60 with 2.76. Looking at the positives, they have only given up 25 high danger shots against. Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to get the start for them after being traded by Carolina last year. He hasn’t been as great as he was last year with a -0.4 GSAx compared to the previous year of +9.6. Nedeljkovic relieved Thomas Greiss last game, who was pulled after two periods. He would go on to stop 9 of the 10 shots he faced in the third period.
Arizona Coyotes
The Yotes offense has been non existent to put it blatantly. They’re third to last in the league, averaging a measly 1.65 goals for per 60. They average the lowest number of shots on goal per game with 25.2. Arizona’s issues stem from the lack of chances created with just 17 high danger shots for. If Arizona was failing to capitalize on scoring chances it would be one thing but, they’re failing to generate any, which is even more concerning. Shayne Gostisbehere, a defenseman, leads the team in points with 13 through 17 games.
Arizona’s defense ranks worse than their offense which says something. They are currently giving up the most goals per game averaging 3.82 and have the 8th worst goals against per 60 (2.73). The Coyotes also have one of the leagues worst goals against above expected with a +6.27. The one encouraging sign for this defense is that have only allowed 21 high danger shots against. Scott Wedgewood is expected to get the start tonight. The Arizona Coyotes claimed the 29-year-old goaltender off waivers from the New Jersey Devils earlier this month. He has a +2.7 GSAx on the year and has been decent for the Coyotes in this first three starts despite the misleading record of 1-1-1.
PICK: DETROIT RED WINGS (-140)
PICK: UNDER 5.5 (-120)
In a battle between these two weak teams, the Red Wings have at least some analytics backing them. If they can find a way to take advantage of the chances they’re generating on offense they should get back on track. The Coyotes have one of, if not the worst defenses in the league which should benefit Detroit. The Under is in play due to the Coyotes lack of offense. They struggle to score on 5 on 5 situations and on the man advantage. I’m guessing a 3-1 win here for Detroit.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
