Free NHL Picks Today: Boston Bruins vs Arizona Coyotes 10/15/22

The Boston Bruins (1-0-0) get their home schedule started at TD Garden on Saturday against the Arizona Coyotes (0-1-0). The Bruins are -345 favorites, and the total is 6.5. Arizona is coming off a high-scoring 6-2 loss against the Penguins on Thursday. The Coyotes committed six penalties in the game, conceding two power play goals. Nick Ritchie scored the only goals, finding the net twice for the Coyotes. Karel Vejmelka only had 47 saves on 53 shots against (.886%) in the loss. Boston beat the Capitals 5-2 on Wednesday. Five players found the net for the Bruins. David Pastrnak scored and provided three assists to lead the team in scoring. Linus Ullmark saved 33 of 35 shots in the win (.942%).

HEAD TO HEAD

The Bruins won both games between the teams last season, including a 3-2 victory in their final meeting in March, their 18th straight win against Arizona. Craig Smith (2G 0A), Charlie Coyle (1G 1A), and Trent Frederic (0G 2A) each had two points to lead Boston. Jeremy Swayman got the win, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931%).

FACING OFF

Arizona averaged just 2.51 goals per game last season, worst in the NHL. The visitors may face a tough test against a Bruins team that allowed only 2.66 goals a game (4th). Meanwhile, Boston found the net 3.09 times a game on average, 15th in the league, and the Coyotes allowed opponents to score 3.77 goals per game (31st).The Coyotes were one of the league’s worst power play teams (30th), converting 13.86% of their opportunities, while Boston’s 81.30% penalty kill percentage ranked ninth. The Bruins scored on 21.19% of their power play chances (15th). Arizona’s PK% of 75.00 ranked No. 28.