No Nathan MacKinnon due to his being put in COVID-19 protocol. But I still see more than six goals being scored here.

The Blackhawks appear faster on paper. They have one of the best scoring lines in hockey with Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Tyler Johnson. Chicago also will receive a huge boost as Jonathan Toews and his career 345 goals is expected to play for the first time in 19 months.

Colorado is weaker in goal having let Philipp Grubauer leave in free agency.

The Avalanche led the NHL in scoring at 3.5 goals last season. Chicago was a bottom-seven defensive team. Colorado enters the season having scored at least 3 goals in 14 of its last 19 games.