8* Blackhawks (DESTROYER)

Would I bet on Chicago in a seven game series against the Avalanche? No I would not. Do I think that the Hawks have much more than a "punchers chance" on Opening night to pull off an upset? I absolutely do. This line is much too large, and I think the value has swung the way of the hungry underdog visiting side. The Hawks were 28-42-12 last year. Patrick Kane is back for Chicago and he had 92 points last year. Petr Mrazek is net for Chicago this year and he finished 12-6 with a 3.34 GAA last season. The Avs won the Cup and Mikko Rantanen finished with 92 points. Alexander Georgiev and Darcy Kuemper will be tough to be in net this year for the Avs. Is there a major talent gap between these teams? There sure is. But on Opening night, I like Chicago to come out fired up and pull off the upset here. There is major regression in store for the Avs this season, and it all starts on opening night; the play is Chicago!

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