Winnipeg Jets.
BEST BET.
Game 56.
4:00 PM PST/7:00 PM EST.
This matchup might not be the flashiest or the most watched series in the first round. However, there is money to be made in it. The Colorado Avalanche are a very good team. They did finish the regular season with 50 wins and 107 points. But to be quite honest, when they take it on the road, they're just not as strong as when they're playing at home. As a host this season, this team was 39-9-1, while as a visitor, they are 19-16-6. They also top the NHL in scoring, averaging over 3.7 goals per game. But, this season, they've allowed over 3.1 goals per game. And if you remember, even Superman had kryptonite. And Colorado's kryptonite seems to be Winnipeg. The Jets have taken all three meetings in this series this season, outscoring the Avalanche by a combined, 17-4. Going back a little bit further, they've taken six of the last eight meetings. I always believe that momentum means a lot, particularly in the NHL. And Winnipeg finished the regular season as one of the hottest teams in hockey, winning their final eight contests. This does include four consecutive victories at the Canada Life Centre. On their own ice this season, they are very respectful, 27-11-3, en route to an overall record of 52-24, accumulating 110 points. That was good enough to finish as the second seed in the Western Conference. They average over 3.2 goals per game, while only allowing 2.4 goals per game, which was good enough to rank them second in the League. FYI, Colorado finished the campaign winning just four of their final 10 outings, which doesn't include a 1-3 record on the road. Winnipeg has their number, comes in here red-hot, and is playing at home in front of their loyal fans. Take the Jets. Thank you.