The Avs have been the better team in this series. Dallas has home ice, and a significant experience advantage in net. That said, Colorado has more depth and is in better shape health-wise. I believe the winner of this game will go on to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. I am backing the Avalanche to win Game 7.

Through four games in this series, these teams are combining to average 9.3 goals per game. Game 4 on Sunday felt like a defensive battle with 'only' seven goals scored. I expect this trend to continue in Game 5. I expect this to be a 5-3 type of game on Tuesday night.

Devon Toews is often overshadowed by Cale Makar, but he is a very solid two-way defenseman. Toews has one point in the series, and I expect him to add to that total in Game 5.

This series is tied 2-2, but if you've watched these games closely, you'd know that it could easily be 3-1 in Colorado's favor or over altogether. The Avalanche are simply the better team right now. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen are both unlikely to play in Game 5 for Dallas, while the Avs are coming off one of their most dominant performances of the season. Home ice counts for something here, but I fully expect Colorado to win Game 5 and have a chance to close out the series at home in Game 6.

The series has seen 30 goals scored in three games thus far. Edmonton has serious firepower in the offensive zone, and they are having significant issues in net on the other end. Getting this number at +106 seems too good to be true.

For me this comes down to the Kings' struggles away from home this season. I can't see the Oilers getting out of the Western Conference with their goaltending issues, but they remain one of the most electric teams in the NHL. I expect this series to head back to Los Angeles tied 2-2.

Rantanen has 11 shots on goal through three games in this series. There is little doubt the 28-year-old winger badly wants to bury one against his former team. I expect Rantanen to continue peppering the net on Saturday night.

Nichushkin has one point in this series thus far, but with the sense of urgency skyrocketing for the Avs, I expect the Russian winger to come out firing in Game 4. Nichushkin plays on the Avs' second line and typically sees plenty of time in Power Play situations.

Colorado has severely underachieved in this series, and there may not be a team in the NHL facing more pressure to turn things around than the Avs. Bottom line: If the Avs lose to a short-handed Dallas team in the first round, head coach Jared Bednar will likely be looking for a new job and several players will be playing for new teams next year. I do expect the Avs to respond here and even up the series 2-2 before things head back to Dallas.

McDavid is starting to look healthier and more like the player he was during last year's playoffs. With the Oilers desperate for a win, I expect the three-time Hart Trophy winner to come out firing.

The Oilers have defeated the Kings in the first round each of the last three years, and need a win here to avoid falling into a 0-3 series hole. I expect an increased sense of urgency from Edmonton behind strong performances from McDavid and Draisaitl.

Carolina is the new betting favorite to win the Stanley Cup, and the Canes have been dominant in both games of this series. New Jersey should have some extra energy in front of its home crowd, but at the end of the day, these teams are simply on different levels. Carolina moves to 3-0.

This series heads to Ottawa with the Senators desperately looking to crawl back into contention here. That said, the first two games of the series made it clear that Toronto is the better team here. I expect the Maple Leafs to come out ahead again on Thursday and improve their lead in the series to 3-0.

Nathan MacKinnon is electric, and was outstanding in Game 1, compiling 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist). I expect the reigning Hart Trophy winner to get more ice time during the postseason with Avs coach Jared Bednar shortening the bench. Dallas will be looking to avoid the dreaded 0-2 hole, but I still love this spot for MacKinnon -- especially at this price.

Same bet as Game 1 for me here. The puck line and the plus-money odds on the Avs are enticing, but I expect a tougher fight from Dallas in Game 2. That said, Colorado looks like the team to beat in the Western Conference. The Avs have the best forward (MacKinnon) and best defenseman (Makar) in the game right now, and they have finally solved their issues in net. I expect another strong performance from the Avalanche on the road on Monday, and I expect the series to head to Denver with Colorado holding a 2-0 lead.