Here’s the write-up for our selection on the Blackhawks tonight. Also note that we’ve added two system picks which can be found at the bottom of the email.
Chicago Blackhawks @ Colorado Avalanche: BLACKHAWKS in regulation 1.99
Risk: 2 Units | Win: 1.98 Units (Members Only Pick)
The 8-9-5 Avalanche will face the 12-8-1 Chicago Blackhawks tonight on no rest. The Avalanche are coming off of a 4-3 overtime victory over the Arizona Coyotes last night (a winner for us on the over). As you probably know from the write-up yesterday, Varlamov is still out for the Avalanche, and backup Reto Berra had another awful night last night, allowing 3 goals on just 8 shots (.625 SV%) and was inevitably pulled and replaced by Calvin Pickard. Berra also blew his last start against Carolina, allowing 3 goals on 10 shots. Calvin has been confirmed to start for the Blackhawks tonight and will be playing on no rest after facing 25 shots last night. Calvin has played 4 games for Colorado this season, splitting the decisions. The 22 year old Moncton NB native allowed 7 goals in his first two NHL appearances, 4 against Ottawa (.852 SV%) and 3 against Montreal (.917 SV%). Calvin managed to allow zero goals when providing relief for Berra in his last two starts. Tonight will be the real test for Pickard, starting against the 8th place Chicago offense that is averaging 2.86 goals per game, an average of 3.30 goals per game over their last 10 games, and an average of 3.00 goals per game played on the road. As you can see, the Blackhawks have scored an average of 3.30 goals per game played over their last 10 games, while the Avalanche have allowed a staggering 3.50 goals against per game played over their last 10 games. The Avs have the 5th worst overall defense in the NHL that allows 3.09 goals against per game overall. When it comes to offense, the Avalanche are ranked 20th overall scoring just 2.50 goals per game on average. The Colorado power play is the 4th worst in the League at a weak 12.3%, and must face the BEST penalty kill unit in all of the NHL, which belongs to Chicago with a very impressive 90.3 PK%. The Avalanche have found success just 3.4% of the time on the man advantage over their last 10 games. Also note that the Blackhawks have the 2nd best defense in the League allowing a mere 2.10 goals against per game played. Corey Crawford is confirmed for Chicago tonight and is 9-5-1 on the season with a 1.98 GAA and a .926 SV%. The Avalanche are playing on no rest, are riddled with injuries, and are starting a 22 year old rookie that is also playing on no rest, against one of the best offenses in the NHL. Chicago should be able to get things done in 60 minutes tonight.
System Picks (Members Only)
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Pittsburgh Penguins: OVER 5.5 Goals 1.81
Risk: 2 Units | Win: 1.62 Units
New York Rangers @ Tampa Bay Lightning: OVER 5.5 Goals 2.06
Risk: 2 Units | Win: 2.12 Units
