Premium NHL Pick: April 23

Detroit Red Wings @ Phoenix Coyotes:

Without Shane Doan, Coyotes lost 3-0 in Detroit in the 4th match of the series and we are tied at 2-2.

Noone had thought the Coyotes would make it this far. They are here and they don't have any intention of leaving it early. They have been playing well against the finalist of last two years Detroit Red Wings and now they have a chance to take the lead in series on home ice.

It took Red Wings a late run in regular season to secure a place in playoffs but they have been playing so good since early March. Wings have won 12 of their last 16 games and they are 9-3 against the Coyotes on road in last 12 games. Coyotes have also been strong at Jobing.com Arena. They have a 8-1 record at home in their last 9 games and in regular season they had gone 29-12 on home ice.

Captain Shane Doan who has a shoulder injury, will be a game time decision. Defenseman Michalek will also be sidelined. Wings are still without Maltby but other than that they are healthy.

Howard was excellent in last match stopping 29 shots but the last time he played at Jobing.com Arena he had allowed 4 goals on 33 shots and Wings had lost that one 4-2.

If Shane Doan doesn't play, it won't be easy for the Coyotes. Nothing has been confirmed yet but he skated yesterday so I expect him to play tonight.

Coyotes know if they lose this one, they go back to Detroit's Joe Louis Arena with Detroit having a chance to finish it. It wouldn't be easy to stop the Wings from winning the series then. They have to win tonight. For that reason, they won't be playing their conservative game and rather attack to win it. Wings have several players with scoring ability and they will punish Coyotes on odd man rushes and counter attacks. That's why I'd like to go with OVER bet on this one. It's a gamble to bet on sides but I expect to see at least 6 goals tonight.

PREMIUM NHL PICK: OVER 5 GOALS

1.83 @ Bodog.com