The Coach's NHL Thursday SURE SHOT - (Going for 5-0)
(NHL) Los Angeles vs. Arizona,
Money Line: -139.00 Los Angeles (Away)
Result: Win
The Los Angeles Kings have not played up to their usual standards recently but are coming off an impressive 2-0 win versus the Bruins. The Arizona Coyotes have been playing more like what you would expect, but they probably wish they hadn't, winning only once over their last five games. These meetings have favored the home team over recent season's but considering the Coyotes home woes lately that's not a trend I expect to continue.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Kings D - Only four other teams in the NHL have a better goals against per game ratio than the Kings' 2.16 this season. They have shutout opponents twice over the last three games, with only the red hot Blackhawks being able to find the net. Both Martin Jones and Jonathan Quick are in the top five with a save percentage of more than .930, with Quick having the best of all regular starters.

2. Home Woes - The Coyotes ranks near the bottom of the league winning only four of their 11 games at Gila River Arena so far. The last time they pleased the crowd with a win at home ice was exactly one month ago, dropping five straight at home since.

3. X-Factor - Tanner Pearson is leading the Kings with his 10 goals for the season. The 22 year old found the net against the Bruins on Tuesday, and is likely to get on the score-sheet tonight as well scoring in each of his previous three meetings with the Coyotes.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings (8*)