The Coach's NHL Early Bird *SPECIAL* - 4PM START
(NHL) Arizona vs. Los Angeles,
Point Spread: -1.50 | 145.00 Los Angeles (Home)
Result: Win
The Los Angeles Kings have not looked much like the reigning Stanley Cup Champs they are lately with Thursday's 6-4 win against St. Louis being only their second over their last seven games. I like their chances of keeping that momentum going though as they'll host a struggling Arizona Coyotes team this afternoon.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Goaltending - Jonathan Quick has one of the best home records of all goalies in the NHL this season going 11-3-1 behind a 1.69 GAA at Staples Center. He may have allowed four against the Blues a couple of days ago, but the Coyotes have nowhere near the same firepower. Quick had only conceded five goals over his three home starts leading up to the Blues game. The Coyotes are having massive goaltending issues. Mike Smith is posting a 3.35 GAA for the season and has been benched two games in a row and backup Devan Dubnyk isn't any better.

2. Home Cookin' - The Kings have picked up 12 of their 16 wins this season on home ice. They've dominated the Coyotes over recent meetings in L.A, winning four of the last five match-ups.

3. X-Factor - Marian Gaborik was 100% with his shots Tuesday, going 2-for-2, and topped it of with an assist as well. He has five goals over his last three games and will be looking to stay hot.

Selection: This is a play on the Los Angeles Kings -1.5 (8*)