The Arizona Coyotes are in shambles, coming into this contest on the back of eight consecutive losses and have failed to cover the puck-line in five of those setbacks. They've averaged only one goal per game over those eight losses, and goals will come at a premium tonight as they'll be up against Jimmy Howard in the Detroit net who is coming off a strong performance holding the St. Louis Blues to one goal in a 2-1 OT win Sunday. Detroit need this win while Arizona has more or less given up on the season, and we're getting a fair price on the hosts on the puck-line here.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Detroit Red Wings have admittedly not been at their very best of late, winning only two of their last six games. They need to pick up pace to avoid getting dragged into the battle for playoff spots, with both the Sens and the Bruins coming from behind in the Atlantic Division. Hosting the Western Conference worst Arizona Coyotes could be just what they need to get back on track, and I think we'll see Detroit go for a big win here to build up some momentum.

2. Road Woes - The Yotes are 11-21-3 away from home on the season and have lost five consecutive when visiting teams with a winning home record and they're a measly 1-6 in the last seven meetings in Detroit.

3. X-Factor - Arizona's penalty kill unit ranks among the worst in the NHL and Detroit has tallied a goal on the man advantage in 11 of its last 12 games.

Selection: This is a play on the Detroit Red Wings -1.5. (8*)