"The Coach's" NHL Playoff ANNIHILATOR
(NHL) Anaheim vs. Winnipeg,
Money Line: -125.00 Winnipeg (Home)
Result: Loss
The Anaheim Ducks are up 2-0 on the Winnipeg Jets in this Western Conference quarterfinals series after two games in Anaheim. Two games at Winnipeg are on deck now, and I like the Jets to take one game back at home-ice tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Risk Of Complacency - The Ducks players might be at risk of patting themselves on the back and relaxing a bit after a job well done home at the Duck Pond. They know at worst they're returning home with the series at a tie, and I expect a desperate home-team to come out and play with much more urgency than the visitors tonight.

2. The Jets To Play 'Til The Fat Lady Sings - Winnipeg must be mighty disappointed dropping both games at Anaheim as it entered the third period in each contest with a one goal lead. Tonight the Jets will be backed by a fanatic home-crowd that will see playoff hockey in Winnipeg for the first time since 1996. The Ducks will most likely find it tough to complete another magical comeback again if they find themselves trailing without the home-support they had in California.

3. X-Factor - Ondrej Pavelec struggled in the first meeting in the series but certainly did his job in Saturday's 2-1 defeat denying 37 of the 39 shots he faced. He wrapped up the regular season with three consecutive shutouts, and I think he has a good chance of out-dueling Fredrik Andersen tonight.

Selection: This is a play on the Winnipeg Jets (8*)