NHL Free Picks - Phoenix @ Calgary

Phoenix Coyotes (+145) at Calgary Flames (-165)

Wednesday, March-31-10, 9:35 PM EST (The NHL Network)

The Flames are still flickering in the Western Conference playoff race. After back to back losses on the road to the Islanders and the Bruins, it looked like they were history. That was until they walked into Washington on Sunday, the best team in the league, and walked out with a 5-3 victory.

The win came thanks to four unanswered goals in the first period, and them holding on for dear life the rest of the way. Now, they really can’t afford to make any more mistakes as Colorado is four points up on them for the last playoff berth in the West, with the next closest team seven points clear of the Flames.

Tonight they’ll be taking on a Phoenix Coyotes team that is fresh off a 4-1 loss at Vancouver on Tuesday.

The Flames should have lots of jump as they haven’t played since the game in Washington, and will be getting a tired Phoenix squad that didn’t have a good showing the night before.

Calgary has had a chance to make a move for that last playoff spot, but have gone just 4-5-0 over its last nine games, and only have six games left to make that move. The Avalanche aren’t playing very good hockey at the moment either, but have the lead and a game in hand on the Flames.

Phoenix, on the other hand, has been on a tear of late. Last night’s setback was just their second regulation loss in their last 11 games, falling to 8-2-1 after the loss in Vancouver. But each of those three losses has come when they are the visitor, so they are clearly more vulnerable away from home.

Despite being firmly entrenched in the playoff picture, the Coyotes are in a battle for the lead in both the Western Conference and Pacific Division with San Jose. They are four points behind the Sharks with five games remaining with San Jose in action versus Dallas tonight.

The Coyotes have had the Flames number as they have taken four of their last six. Each game this year has been a tight contest though, with the home team winning each game by one goal. Calgary won 2-1 at the Pengrowth Saddledome on Nov. 25, while the Coyotes won 2-1 at Jobing.com Arena on Dec. 3 and 3-2 in a shootout on Jan. 28. They have taken the two points three of their last five trips to Pengrowth Saddledome.

This is a tough one to call, but the Flames should be well rested and be flying tonight as their post season lives depend on it. Phoenix is strong, but clearly aren’t the same team on the road. Play the Flames at -165.