The Coach's NHL ICE BREAKER
(NHL) Vancouver vs. Arizona,
Money Line: -170.00 Vancouver (Away)
Result: Win
The Vancouver Canucks fell at home to Columbus Thursday but bounced back with a 4-1 win at L.A. last yesterday. They have won three of their last four games and are looking good to punish yet another Western foe tonight visiting the conference worst Arizona Coyotes. The hosts have lost seven straight, including a 3-1 to the Pens on home ice last night. It looks like Arizona just wishes the season to end as quickly as possible, and I don't think it'll put up much resistance tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Keep Shooting - The Nucks have averaged 38 shots on goal over their last four games, breaking 40 in each of the last two. If they keep hammering the goal tonight they're likely to find the net plenty, Mike Smith's .900 save percentage is the worst mark among regular goaltenders in the NHL this season.

2. Home Woes - Arizona is a paltry 10-22-5 at Gila River Arena on the season where it has lost six straight. It's last win was at the beginning of the month when it hosted the very same Canucks team that is coming to town tonight with revenge on its mind. The Canucks 21 road wins on the season ranks among the best marks in the NHL, and we can expect a better performance from the Nucks here.

3. X-Factor - Vancouver's Radim Vrbata scored one goal and dished out an assist at Staples Center last night. The former Coyote had a good month of March, tallying four goals adding three assists over nine games.

Selection: This is a play on the Vancouver Canucks 8*)