The Coach's Afternoon SURE SHOT
(NHL) Columbus vs. Calgary,
Money Line: -145.00 Calgary (Home)
Result: Loss
The Calgary Flames opened a five game home-stand by getting shutout in a 4-0 loss to the Blues but bounced back quick defeating the Flyers 4-1 their last time out. They're hosting a surging Blue Jackets team that has won five of its last six games tonight. I hold the hosts as both the stronger and more motivated team though, and like the price we get on the Flames in this match-up.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Columbus Flattering Schedule - So we have already established that the Blue Jackets have won five of their last six, but should we really be impressed? Considering that four of those were against Carolina and Edmonton I would say maybe not. We should also keep in mind that they only won three of those, losing 3-2 to Carolina at home. They're off a 6-2 win against the Nucks Thursday but are a lowly 1-6 in their last six games playing on one day of rest.

2. Special Teams - A big reason for the Blue Jackets success of late has been their play with the man advantage. The Flames are only taking 7.79 PIM per game though, so chances to play on the man advantage will be scarce. Columbus on the other hand is taking 12.14 PIM per game and could get punished as the Flames went 2-for-4 on the power play their last time out.

3. X-Factor - The Flames 21 year old Johnny Gaudreau is leading all rookies in the NHL with his 56 points on the season. He has five goals and seven assists over nine games in March and notched one goal and dished out two assists in the 4-1 win against the Flyers Thursday.

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