Arizona Coyotes (13-9-2) vs. Boston Bruins (17-4-3)
Arizona Coyotes vs. Boston Bruins 12/9/23 – The Arizona Coyotes take on the Boston Bruins on Saturday in an inter-conference NHL matchup. Both teams come into this game playing inconsistent hockey over their last five contests. Fans and bettors are eagerly looking for free NHL picks for this regular season game that promises to be a highlight of the weekend’s NHL action, to be broadcasted on NHL network.
The Coyotes offense runs through top players like Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz. Keller leads the team with 24 points while Schmaltz has 20. Arizona will need big performances from their stars to try and solve red-hot Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman. Swayman has been tough to beat this year, posting a 0.932 save percentage.
Boston’s offense features two of the top scorers in the NHL in David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. Pastrnak is tied for second in the league with 36 points while Marchand has 23. The Bruins skilled forwards will try to attack an Arizona defense that has allowed the eighth-most goals per game this season.
Arizona Coyotes vs. Boston Bruins Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | NHL |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Connor Ingram vs. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman
Connor Ingram has provided unexpected stability in net for the Coyotes this season. Signed as a free agent from Nashville, Ingram has seized the starter’s job in Arizona with impressive early season numbers. He boasts an 11-3 record with a 2.23 GAA and a sparkling 0.93 save percentage. Ingram has demonstrated poise beyond his years in some high leverage spots already for the Desert Dogs. He carries a shutout streak of over 100 minutes into Saturday’s tilt. If Ingram can channel the concentration and technique that have paved his early success, Arizona has a fighter’s chance to upend one of the East’s elite.
Jeremy Swayman continues to validate himself as Boston’s goalie of the future after being thrust into the spotlight due to injuries last season. The Anchorage native has posted career bests in save percentage (0.932) and goals against average (2.08) while collecting nine wins in just 13 starts. Equally impressive is the bounce-back ability Swayman has displayed by allowing two or fewer goals in every start directly following a subpar outing. The Bruins still lean heavily on veteran Linus Ullmark, but Swayman’s development gives Boston a formidable 1-2 punch in net. He should have little trouble stymieing a middling Coyotes attack on home ice Saturday. The Bruins own one of the NHL’s stingiest defenses, allowing the seventh-fewest goals per contest. If Boston plays to their defensive identity, Swayman likely won’t have to stand on his head for the victory.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, it’s important to keep an eye on the evolving market. The performance of both teams leading up to the game and the announced starting goaltenders will significantly influence the odds. Bettors should watch for updates and analyze how the teams match up against each other.
Arizona Coyotes Betting Trends
The Coyotes are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games and have been solid for bettors away from home this year, covering in eight of their 12 road contests. Arizona has generally seen high-scoring games lately, going over the total in three of its past five matchups. The over is also 7-5 in the Coyotes’ last 12 home games.
Boston Bruins Betting Trends
After a hot start, the Bruins have trended down lately, going just 2-3 straight up and against the spread over their previous five games. Boston’s games have also been high-scoring of late, going over four of the past five times. For the year, four of the Bruins’ 11 home games have gone over the total.
Arizona Coyotes vs. Boston Bruins 12/9/23 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ recent forms and key player performances, this game appears to be a clash of Arizona’s rising momentum against Boston’s established strength. The goaltender matchup will be crucial, with both Ingram and Swayman playing key roles.
For the final pick, the Bruins, with their home advantage and stronger overall performance, seem to be the safer bet. However, the Coyotes’ recent form against the spread suggests they could keep the game closer than expected. Prop bets focusing on individual player performances, especially the goaltenders and key scorers like Pastrnak and Keller, may offer additional value. As premium handicapper reviews often suggest, looking at the underdog’s recent form can provide insights into potential upset scenarios.
Free Pick and Prediction: Boston Bruins 3, Arizona Coyotes 2