The set-up: Washington went 6-1 in the preseason and it'll be starting Braden Holtby between the pipes, while St. Louis was 4-3 in the preseason. The Blues will have Jordan Binnington in goal. Washington has a team filled with talent, but it lost a few players to free agency after it was abruptly knocked out of the playoffs in the first round last year. Also note that the Capitals Evgeny Kuzetnsov will miss the opener because off a three-game suspension. Also note that Alex Ovechkin is listed as day to day after sustaining an injury and missing the final preseason contest.

The pick: St. Louis returns almost its entire Stanley Cup winning roster from last year. I think the Blues come out hungry and focussed despite the Championship Banner ceremonies to open. Ride the wave of emotion from the home town crowd and lay this very reasonable price.

10* play on the Blues.