The Coach's 10* NHL Underdog *SHOCKER*
(NHL) Nashville vs. Colorado, 12/09/2014 4:00 PM, Score: 3 - 0
Money Line: 118.00 Colorado (Home)
Result: Loss
The Nashville Predators have played above all expectations so far, winning 17 of their 26 games fighting for the top spot in the Central division. They've been far better at home than on the road though, and coming to the Rocky Mountains and face the Colorado Avalanche is never an easy prospect. The Avs have won five of the last seven meetings, and I like the price we get on the home team tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Avs are coming into this contest desperate to avoid a fourth consecutive loss while the overachieving Predators are looking to keep riding their wave of success. All good things comes to an end though, and Colorado should have a psychological advantage finishing the 2013/2014 season 24 points ahead of the visitors.

2. Road Woes - The Predators are a respectable 6-5-1 on the road for the season but have struggled away from home over recent weeks. They've picked up only one win over their last four, including losses at the struggling Carolina and Ottawa.

3. X-Factor - The Predators have won all of their last four games that went past regulation. Those things tend to even out so don't be surprised if the Avs stands as winners if the game goes past regulation.

Selection: This is a play on the Colorado Avalanche (10*)