Carolina has scored five goals in its last three games. A game against Colorado (whether it's Scott Wedgewood or Alexandar Georgiev in net) could be just what the doctor ordered for the Canes. The Avs are explosive and have the firepower to score on any team in the NHL. Carolina hasn't been particularly effective on the defensive end of late, so I see a floor of 3 goals here for Colorado. I expect this to be another 4-3 or 5-4 game on Thursday.

Potential Stanley Cup Finals preview on Thursday, although I don't think the Avalanche have the goaltending to get there. And that's the main reason why I'll play the Canes here even though they are on a season-high three-game skid. That just makes me think they will be more focused here. And it's either gonna be Alexandar Georgiev or Scott Wedgewood for the Avs in net. The former was shelled and pulled Tuesday in Buffalo, while the former played well in relief but had been horrendous in three starts this year with Nashville before being traded. Colorado remains very banged up, while Carolina is quite healthy. The Canes' power play has scored in six of the past seven and ranks 4th in the league.