NHL Predictions: Phoenix Coyotes at Calgary Flames Odds and Picks

This pick is all about a long love affair I have had with a particular kind of bet. There is no bet in all of sports - at least outside of horse racing exotics - that I enjoy winning more than the puckline in hockey. In this defensive era in the NHL, we have to be very choosy about when to make the bet. However, when the time is right it's a chance to receive a very solid payout on a favorite that may otherwise be unattractive. Now, the puckline can definitely be overplayed, and I have been more than guilty of that in the past. This is the first game of the year where it has really made sense for me, though, and I couldn't be more excited about it - much more excited than I am to watch what isn't likely to be a thrilling game.

So, all of the drama is out of the pick - I am taking the Flames on the puckline. Why? Well, there are five good reasons:

Phoenix Coyotes at Calgary Flames Betting Storylines

Karri Ramo: The Flames have used two goalies in streaks this year, but right now Ramo is the hot hand - red hot, in fact. He has shutouts in his last two outings - including last time out in Phoenix. At times this year it has been easy to be critical of Ramo. He has long stretches of brilliance damned by moments of stunning incompetence. Lately, though, that latter aspect of his play has been absent. He's making every save he needs to and a few that you wouldn't expect him to. He hasn't been massively challenged in either win, but he is in a groove, and it never hurts to ride a hot hand in net for as long as you can. Add that to some real offensive issues for Arizona - they have been held to one goal or less in four of their last six - and it's easy to be reasonably comfortable that the Coyotes aren't going to score a ton.

Owning the Coyotes: This is already the third time that these foes have met this year, and the first two have not been particularly pretty. Calgary won 5-3 at home on Nov. 13 and 3-0 in Glendale on Saturday. That's two times already that the puckline would have paid off. Neither game has been closer than the score would indicate, either, These are teams that are on different wavelengths right now, and the Flames have had the clear edge - in a way that seems like it can be replicated here.

Giordano and Brodie: Mark Giordano was just named Player of the Month in the NHL for November. He hasn't even been the best defenseman on his team over the last week or so. That has been T.J. Brodie, his partner. They are playing with ridiculous confidence right now - unbeatable in their own zone and unstoppable offensively. It has been truly incredible to watch, and when they are playing like this then a team without a lot of offensive depth like Arizona is really going to be in trouble.

Home dominance of late: The Flames had a few home issues - at least in relative terms - earlier this year. Lately, though, they have been much better, they have won five of six, and the one loss was far from embarrassing. They are very comfortable at home right now. Given that the Coyotes are far from the best road team in the league, this is another reason to suspect a mismatch.

Stampeders boost: On Sunday night the Calgary Stampeders won the Grey Cup, the championship of the CFL. The Stamps and Flames share ownership. The team will be recognizing the Stamps during this game, and that will have a positive impact on the crowd - and the Flames will be extra motivated to match up to the success of their organizational brothers.

Phoenix Coyotes at Calgary Flames Odds and Betting Trends

Calgary is favored at -160 at home in this one , with the Coyotes at +135. The total sits at the standard 5.5.

The Coyotes are 0-6 in their last six games in Calgary. With winter hitting Calgary hard right now, the desert dogs aren't going to be any more comfortable than usual. The Coyotes are 1-7 in their last eight Tuesday games. The Flames have gone "over" the total in their last six at home.

Phoenix Coyotes at Calgary Flames Predictions and Picks

Already gave away the punchline on this one - Calgary on the puckline is the pick. We use Doc's Sports Unit Betting System for all the picks in this season-long feature.

4-Unit Play #66 Take Calgary vs. Phoenix (-1.5 +185) (9 p.m. ET Tuesday)

Year-to-date Flames picks: 5-2, +12 Units, +$1,140.

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Read more articles by Trevor Whenham