Chicago Blackhawks at Anaheim Ducks (+129, 5.5)
The wait was worth it.
After missing the start to the season, the Chicago Blackhawks finally debuted their big offseason acquisition, Marian Hossa, to rave reviews Wednesday night. The gun-for-hire scored two goals in the Blackhawks’ 7-2 flogging of the San Jose Sharks.
"It was nice for 'House' to come in and have a meaningful game," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville told reporters. "It was a good start to his Blackhawks career. I'll be interested in seeing how his line works out from here."
Quenneville put the veteran winger alongside Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who combined for three points in the win. Chicago ranks fifth in scoring in the NHL with 3.3 goals a game. It’s won eight straight games, averaging more than four goals during this streak.
"We feel like we have lots of energy and we want to keep going," said Hossa.
The Blackhawks will face Anaheim for the first time this season. This year’s Ducks are a far cry from the defensive-minded squad that nearly faced Chicago in the Western Conference final last season. Anaheim is giving up over three goals a game, ranking 27th in goals against, shots against and penalty kill.
Pick: Chicago -140
Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild (-125, 5.5)
The Avalanche have come crashing to earth after an out-of-this-world start to the year. Colorado has dropped six of its last eight games, most recently a 4-3 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators Wednesday night.
Head coach Joe Sacco is pointing the fingers at his team’s lackadaisical starts during this skid. Against the Preds, the Avs allowed two goals and were outshot 10-3 in the opening frame.
"We've just got to be ready to play. We've got to be better than that in the first period," Sacco told the Denver Post. "It's disappointing, anytime you lose that extra point at home."
The Avalanche have allowed just under five goals a game in their last four – all of which played over the total.
Pick: Over 5.5