Thursday Night NHL Prediction: Calgary Flames at Phoenix Coyotes
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Frank Martin
Riding an emotional high, the Calgary Flames will look to keep the good times rolling on Thursday when they pay a visit to the desert to face the Phoenix Coyotes.
Olli Jokinen recorded his seventh career hat trick and Miikka Kiprusoff secured his 300th career NHL victory on Wednesday as the Flames skated to a 4-3 road triumph over the San Jose Sharks. A simple look at the standings should be enough to get up for Thursday's contest.
Phoenix, which will vie for its season-best fourth win in a row, is tied for eighth place in the Western Conference - one point ahead of Calgary.
-
Calgary Flames
@ Phoenix Coyotes
When:
9:00 PM ET, Thursday, February 9, 2012
Where:
Jobing.com Arena, Glendale, Arizona
TV:
9 p.m. ET, RSW
The Coyotes have opened as 160-moneyline favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NHL Hockey Odds.
Calgary Flames (25-22-7): Calgary is looking to complete its three-game road trip in style. Jokinen, who is a former Coyote, has recorded four goals and two assists in his last three contests. For his part, Kiprusoff is doing his best to keep his milestone in perspective. "Right now (300 is) not that big a deal,” said Kiprusoff, who became the 27th NHL goaltender to reach the plateau. “We have a job to do here. We’re fighting for the playoffs, and we need those wins."
Phoenix Coyotes (25-21-8): Radim Vrbata has certainly been on a roll. Vrbata, who recorded his team-leading 25th goal in Tuesday's 4-1 victory over Dallas, has collected three goals and four assists during his five-game point streak. Linemates Ray Whitney and Martin Hanzal are also performing. The trio has combined for eight goals and 22 points in its last six contests. G Mike Smith won his lone start versus the Flames, although that was Dec. 21, 2007.
1.
Flames D Derek Smith signed a two-year
contract extension worth $1.55 million on Wednesday. Sidelined with a high
ankle sprain, Smith signed with the club in July.
2. The Coyotes have doused the Flames in their last four meetings.
3. The
teams will get to know each other well. After all, Thursday's tilt will be the
first of four meetings between Phoenix and Calgary over the next five weeks.
NHL PREDICTION: Coyotes 3, Flames 1
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Tags
calgary flames - derek smith - jobing.com arena - martin hanzal - miikka kiprusoff - mike smith - olli jokinen - phoenix coyotes - radim vrbata - ray whitney
