Saturday NHL total Since there is a full schedule of CFB and NBA games tonight, there probably isn't much interest in an NHL total.However, there is one NHL matchup that looks worthy of a play.
I played TB/Phoe over 5.5 (-110).
The Lightning bring in the league's highest scoring team (3.6 g.p.g)to Phoenix.They play the fastest pace in the NHL. However,their emphasis on out-scoring teams lets the opposition score 3.3 g.p.g.They also lead the NHL with 35.6 "shots on goal" (sog)per game. Coming into tonight's game, 5 of the last 6 TB contests have gone over the total.
Phoenix has been in severe financial trouble over the past few years and is experiencing declining attendance figures.In my opinion, the Coyotes are trying to bring more energy to their formerly conservative style of play.It is their hope that more scoring may mean more tickets sold for home games.Last year, the 'Yotes made the playoffs behind solid defense and goaltending.However, in their last 5 games, the OVER has gone 4-0-1 and Phoenix allows the second most SOG's in the NHL (36.4 per game).It looks like Coyotes'management is looking at a current change in game strategy.If so, we may be forced to adjust our handicapping strategy when looking at Phoenix totals.
We know that TB will play a wide open style in nearly all of their games.If current form holds, Phoenix should cooperate with this tempo.Statistically, there should be plenty of SOG and we hope that at least 6 of those shots find the back of the net.
Good luck,
charliej
