Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The bookies still don't believe in Colorado this year, a 12-4-2 record must not impress them too much. Darcy Tucker should return for the Av's tonight and hopefully ignite this team against the Blackhawks. Hejduk might also be returning from a back injury. These two teams matched up October 10th and in a close game, Chicago won in a shootout. Toews return from injury to the Blackhawks rejuvenated their offense as they beat the Kings 4-1. They were 3-2-1 with him. Chicago has been playing great at home, going 4-1 in their last 5. However the Avalanche outmatch their opponents in every category except shots allowed, offensive shots, and PK. The Blackhawks are ranked 24th at home on the PP, while the Av's are ranked 5th in road PK. Colorado is banged up though, missing many starters, although they have continued to play good hockey through this injury stretch, going 2-1 in their last 3 games. Colorado is 6-3 in their last 9 games on the road. The Blackhawks are 15th in overall scoring while the Avalanche are ranked 5th in overall defense. Hawks are 12th in home scoring, and Colorado is 8th in road defense. Colorado certainly has the advantage in the net, Anderson has been an all-star in his first 17 games, showing a 2.32 GAA and a .929 SV%. Huet has a slightly better GAA, and a SV% of .899. The Blackhawks are going to get some shots off in this game, but the Avalanche will hold their own and make the most of their chances. Colorado is most definitely not a +155 dog in this game. Take a shot on the Avalanche tonight.
Colorado +155 @5dimes
The bookies still don't believe in Colorado this year, a 12-4-2 record must not impress them too much. Darcy Tucker should return for the Av's tonight and hopefully ignite this team against the Blackhawks. Hejduk might also be returning from a back injury. These two teams matched up October 10th and in a close game, Chicago won in a shootout. Toews return from injury to the Blackhawks rejuvenated their offense as they beat the Kings 4-1. They were 3-2-1 with him. Chicago has been playing great at home, going 4-1 in their last 5. However the Avalanche outmatch their opponents in every category except shots allowed, offensive shots, and PK. The Blackhawks are ranked 24th at home on the PP, while the Av's are ranked 5th in road PK. Colorado is banged up though, missing many starters, although they have continued to play good hockey through this injury stretch, going 2-1 in their last 3 games. Colorado is 6-3 in their last 9 games on the road. The Blackhawks are 15th in overall scoring while the Avalanche are ranked 5th in overall defense. Hawks are 12th in home scoring, and Colorado is 8th in road defense. Colorado certainly has the advantage in the net, Anderson has been an all-star in his first 17 games, showing a 2.32 GAA and a .929 SV%. Huet has a slightly better GAA, and a SV% of .899. The Blackhawks are going to get some shots off in this game, but the Avalanche will hold their own and make the most of their chances. Colorado is most definitely not a +155 dog in this game. Take a shot on the Avalanche tonight.
Colorado +155 @5dimes