The Coach's NHL SURE SHOT
(NHL) Vancouver vs. NY Rangers,
Money Line: -142.00 NY Rangers (Home)
Result: Loss
The Vancouver Canucks are in New York tonight, taking on their former coach Alain Vigneault and a Rangers team that defeated them in the 1994 Stanley Cup Finals. Vancouver has lost three of it's last four on the road, and the Rangers have been tough to beat at home all year. The price is more than reasonable to back the home team in this spot.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Goaltending - The Rangers have not missed a beat since Henrik Lundqvist went down with an injury. Backup Cam Talbot has won four straight, and he boasts a record of 3-0-2 with a 1.37 GAA at home in New York this season. Ryan Miller is coming off consecutive losses in his last two starts on the road, conceding eight goals in those games.

2. Injuries - Vancouver is banged up, especially on the blueline. They were forced to call up Alex Biega from the minors as Kevin Bieksa, Chris Tanev and Alex Edler are all dealing with various ailments.

3. X-Factor - The Rangers have won five straight in this series, and three of those wins have come at MSG. They have also prevailed in 12 of their last 16 home games overall.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Rangers (8*)