The set-up: San Jose has split its first three series. It enters at 3-3, tied with the Avs for fourth spot in the division. Colorado hasn't gotten out to the start it's hoped for either, but it'll be pumped to return home after two straight series on the road and a 3-1 loss to the lowly Ducks.

The pick: Both teams have struggled with consistency in the early going, but the Avalanche are the much more motivated team here. Colorado comes in off a humiliating effort to Anaheim, while the Sharks enter off a satisfying 5-3 road win at Minnesota. The Avs are just 1-5 "against the spread" this year (+1.5/-1.5), but I expect that lop-sided trend to start correcting itself immediately. I look for Colorado to not only, but to win BIG. Lay the 1.5 goals for the small plus-moeny return.

The is a 10* PUCK-LINE GAME OF THE MONTH on the Colorado Avalanche.