The Coach's NHL SURE SHOT
(NHL) Philadelphia vs. Calgary,
Money Line: -136.00 Calgary (Home)
Result: Win
The Philadelphia Flyers may have entered this month a glimpse of hope of making the playoffs, but recent performances must have killed that spirit completely. Philly has won only two of its nine games in March, and those were both at home. Tonight it is visiting the Calgary Flames who have dropped just outside of a playoff spot after back-to-back losses. A win tonight would see them overtake the Kings (and possibly the Jets), so we should see Calgary at their best tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Calgary's Offense - The Flames are averaging three goals per game in their own house on the season and had scored 28 goals over their first six games in March before being held to two by the Avs and shutout by the Blues Monday. We can expect the Flames offense to get back on track here facing a Philly D that's allowing 3.11 goals per game away from home.

2. Road Woes - While it's true that the Flyers have won five straight meetings in Calgary, keep in mind that those games are spread out over 14 years. The Flyers have been one of the worst road teams in the NHL this season, posting a 9-19-9 record outside of Philly and have lost seven straight outside of their own building.

3. X-Factor - Philly's netminder Steve Mason has won only one game away from home all season over 18 outings.

Selection: This is a play on the Calgary Flames (8*)