The set-up: Both teams have been decent to open the season, but I think the Avs are worth the price of admission here. Colorado comes in off a tough 1-0 home loss to the Lightning, so they'll be looking to make the most of this opportunity before embarking on a tough road trip starting tomorrow night in Minnesota. Ottawa on the other hand saw its three game unbeaten streak come to an end in a 4-1 setback to Boston in its last outing (the end of a six-game home stretch) and everything points to a letdown here in the opener of this extended road trip as well.

The pick: And take it for what you will, but Colorado is 7-2 in its last nine home games after being shutout in its previous contest. Lay the -1.5.