Phoenix Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 3 2012 NHL Playoff Odds

The Chicago Blackhawks will try to take their first lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals when they host the Phoenix Coyotes tonight, Tuesday April 17th, in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series. They are split at one game apiece in this best of seven series. NHL oddsmakers have installed the Blackhawks as -145 moneyline home favorites over the Coyotes (+135) with the over/under set at 5.5 goals. Be sure to check the Phoenix Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks Game 3 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.

Phoenix centre Antoine Vermette scored twice in the losing effort on Saturday and Raffi Torres had the other goal for the third-seeded Coyotes. Mike Smith stopped 46-of-50 shots in the hard-luck loss. “We never want to give up a game-winner the way we did, but at the same time it’s just one game,” Phoenix forward Shane Doan said. “We have to go in there and win one of those.” The Coyotes lost forwards Hanzal (lower body) and Lauri Korpikoski (upper body) to injuries in Game 2 and both players are questionable for tonight. Losing Hanzal for any amount of time would be a big blow for Phoenix, as the 25-year-old Czech centers the club’s top line between wingers Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney.

The Coyotes have proved their mettle on the road this season, finishing at 20-14-7, and captain Shane Doan attributes that to mental toughness and being able to count on everyone. “We get so many contributions from everybody, and on the road that’s so vital because you don’t have last (line) change, you don’t have the ability to get specific guys on the ice,” he said. “But we have the ability to rely on so many different lines and so many different guys.”

Chicago lost Game 1 by a 3-2 score in overtime, but rebounded with an overtime victory of their own in Game 2. Patrick Sharp scored for Chicago with 5.5 seconds left in regulation on Saturday and Bryan Bickell capitalized on a turnover at the 10:36 mark of the extra session to lift the Blackhawks to the 4-3 decision. Corey Crawford made 30 saves for the win and the Blackhawks also got a goal from Brandon Bollig to help even the series at one win apiece.

Chicago had a strong 27-8-6 record on home ice this season. The Hawks have opted for parity that gives the Coyotes a tougher decision about which is the top line to shut down. The Kane line totaled 170 regular-season points. The Toews line amassed 169. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville is willing to change things up if he doesn’t like a building’s ventilation system after puck drop, but he likes this look. “We had more looks, we had a little bit more balance, we had more scoring opportunities and more defending ways (with) different groups,” Quenneville said. “There’s some excitement the way they look right now.”

The Bottom Line: Chicago is hard to beat at home and Coyotes goalie Mike Smith has to be at his best. Want to dominate the books this season with some of the best NHL Picks Experts in the business? Then sign up right now and get NHL Picks Free!

Recent Trends to Consider:
Coyotes are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Under is 16-5-1 in the last 22 meetings in Chicago.
Under is 30-14-3 in the last 47 meetings.
Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Coyotes are 6-1 in their last 7 overall.
Coyotes are 6-1 in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Coyotes are 0-5 in their last 5 games as an underdog of +110 to +150.
Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last 6 playoff games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
Blackhawks are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Blackhawks are 18-6 in their last 24 playoff games as a favorite.

Phoenix Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks
When: Tuesday, April 17th@9:00 PM EST
Pick: Blackhawks -145

Point-Spreads recommends you check the Phoenix Coyotes vs Chicago Blackhawks 2012 NHL Playoff Odds before they drop the puck.