San Jose Sharks over Dallas Stars: Not often we will give this much juice up especially on the road however we still have outstanding value tonight with SJ. SJ has outshot every opponent so far this year on their way to a perfect 6-0 mark. They are bulldozing everyone despite playing the 9th toughest schedule so far. They have outscored their opponents 30-9 in those 6 games and not given up more than 2 goals in any game. Niemi is playing excellent net with a save% of 936.
Colorado Avalanche over Washington Capitals: Col will come back down to earth but right now they are on a roll. At this price they offer excellent value.
San Jose Sharks over Vancouver Canucks: Sj may just be the deepest best team in the west this year. Rookie sensation 19 year old Hertl has rejuvenated this team after years of playoff underachieving. The core is still together and Niemi is more than solid in net. Granted this will be their first road game of the year. However their first 3 at home they dominated including opening night against Vanc 4-1. Sj has outshot opponents by a mind boggling 68 in these openings games and outscored them 17-4.
Winnipeg Jets over Anaheim Ducks: We pushed with Ana last night but I was not impressed. Twice they had 2 goal leads and could not hold it. Minn goaltending was weak. Now they played their 3rd road before heading home for their opener.
Minnesota Wild over Anaheim Ducks: Minn made some big additions last year and took a step forward. I expect them to continue to rise and now is the time to jump on them before the value is gone. Ana conversely played above their heads last year and I see a regression this year. The loss of Ryan to OTT will be felt.
New York Islanders over New Jersey Devils: NYI started to turn the corner last year by making the playoffs for the first time in forever. There is no question the offense has depth and skill. NYI will go as far as their goaltending and defense will take them. Nabokov at 38 is serviceable.
Winnipeg Jets over Edmonton Oilers: Edn has a new coach and GM. Edm will be helped with the acquisition of Ference but they still have a weak defense and not expecting goaltending tonight worst case is even between Pavelec vs. Dubnyk. Edm will also be without Gagner and Nuget-Hopkins.
Boston Bruins over Chicago Blackhawks Best of 7 Series: Both teams took similar routes to the final. Both teams had very scary 1st round battles and have survived to meet in the finals.
Los Angeles Kings over Chicago Blackhawks: OT included. Must wins are useless in the handicapping area. What I will say it is do or die for LA tonight at home knowing it will be very difficult to come back if they go down 3-0. Look for La best effort tonight.
Ottawa Senators over Montreal Canadiens OT Included: Ott has a chance to close out the series in MTL. If Ott has learned their lessons from the past they will not let up. All the pressure is on Mtl.