We cleaned up with our best bets last time out, as Mathew Barzal and Thomas Chabot both went over their shot totals inside the first 40 minutes of their contests.

Let's hope we can find similar results during Tuesday's 10-game slate.

Craig Smith over 2.5 shots on goal (+125)

The Ottawa Senators are one of my favorite teams to target for shot props. Why? Simply put, they bleed shots.

They've allowed 67.47 shot attempts per 60 minutes at five-on-five over the last six games, which ranks 31st in the NHL.

I don't see the Senators tightening the screws against one of the league's best shot-generating teams, especially since they're missing a couple of regulars due to COVID-19 protocols.

While David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron are the sexy targets, I think the most value lies with Smith.

For years, he's been one of the NHL's most efficient shot takers, particularly at five-on-five. He'll avoid Ottawa's best players - Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, etc. - and instead see a lot of the team's underwhelming middle-six.

Smith has recorded three shots or more in five of his last six meetings against the Senators, averaging five shots per game in that time.

That dates back to 2018, sure, but this Ottawa team has consistently bled shots over the years, and this season looks to be no different.

There's real value at +125.

Patrick Kane over 3.5 shots on goal (+110)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are a strong defensive side. They do a good job of keeping teams to the outside and suppressing high-danger chances. They're only in the middle of the pack at preventing shot attempts, though. That's good news for those willing to shoot from range, such as Patrick Kane.

Kane is averaging more than seven shot attempts, and nearly five shots on goal, per game. He's been even more potent at home.

The 32-year-old Kane is averaging 8.2 attempts, and 5.4 shots on goal, in his own building. That's hardly surprising given that his line is placed in as many favorable situations as possible.

While the Penguins aren't near the top of my target list, it's not as if they're a black hole where shots go to die.

Kane doesn't even have to match his season averages to hit this number, and we're getting plus money for him to do it.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Monday was a mixed bag on the ice. We rightfully saw value on the New York Rangers as home underdogs against a banged-up Florida Panthers side. Unfortunately, we couldn't complete the double-dip as Florida netted a pair of goals inside the final 90 seconds to spoil the under.

We'll look to improve Tuesday as we comb through our best bets for an action-packed 10-game slate.

Kraken (+100) @ Golden Knights (-125)

We've been fading the Golden Knights - and backing the Kraken - quite often of late, so it'd only make sense for that trend to continue with the two sides set to meet Tuesday.

The Golden Knights remain without four top-nine forwards, and that's not including the newly acquired Jack Eichel. They have very little scoring pop, play-driving ability, or depth due to all the injuries.

This has proven to be problematic, as Vegas ranks 28th in expected goals share at five-on-five over the last 10 games.

That's less than ideal when heading into a date with the Kraken. Seattle is controlling better than 55% of the xG at five-on-five over the last 10 contests, which ranks fifth during that span.

The Kraken play a smothering brand of hockey. The reason they haven't been successful to this point is, by and large, goaltending. Philipp Grubauer owns a .886 save percentage through 10 starts and has conceded more goals above expectation than all but Marc-Andre Fleury and Carter Hutton. Not good.

Luckily, Chris Driedger, one of the NHL's save percentage leaders since entering the league, appears healthy and is expected to get the nod in goal Tuesday. He doesn't need to be a savior, though. If he can just make the saves he's supposed to, the Kraken should be in good shape, considering they're likely to get the better of the chances at five-on-five.

Bet: Kraken (+100)

Senators (+250) @ Bruins (-300)

The Senators enter play on a four-game losing skid, and it's tough to envision that ending in Boston.

Ottawa is playing terrible hockey right now. The Senators rank 29th in expected goals against per 60 at five-on-five during this losing streak and have controlled only 43% of the xG.

By comparison, the Bruins have controlled a whopping 58% of the xG over the same period of time. They're dominating the run of play, which should continue at home in such a favorable matchup.

This is also a fantastic spot for Boston's power play to get on track. Only the injury-plagued Golden Knights have given up scoring chances at a higher clip on the penalty kill than Ottawa.

The Bruins have advantages across the board, which will become even more evident with the Senators a little undermanned due to an internal COVID-19 outbreak. That means a few regulars - headlined by Connor Brown - will be unavailable for this game.

Expect Boston to take care of business with relative ease.

Bet: Bruins -1.5 (-115)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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The 2021-22 NHL campaign is already roughly 12% finished and we've seen very little separation in the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy race.

Leon Draisaitl and Alex Ovechkin lead the pack with 10 goals each, double the current tally of preseason favorite Auston Matthews. Competition is fierce with 18 players having found the back of the net at least seven times this season.

Can Draisaitl and Ovechkin sustain their strong starts? Can Matthews make up lost ground? Let's dive in.

Only listing players 20-1 or shorter.

Auston Matthews (+400)

The Maple Leafs' superstar center is already five goals behind Ovechkin and Draisaitl for top spot. Even so, the market doesn't seem overly concerned. His odds of winning have only dropped from 22.5% to 20%, and it's easy to see why. Matthews has missed three games and yet he's tied for second in the NHL in scoring chances. He's creating quality looks at an insanely high rate, and there's no doubt he has the talent to make the most of them. His shooting percentage (12.8%) will almost certainly rise in time. That, along with all the chances he's creating, is a recipe for success.

Connor McDavid (+400)

McDavid is a very real threat to win this award. He's known more for his playmaking, of course, but he is becoming more of a goal-scorer as time goes on. He has the ability to make something out of nothing - as we saw Friday against the Rangers - and is now unleashing a new and improved one-timer on a regular basis. McDavid ranks fourth in expected goals, so the quality looks are there in bulk. Expect McDavid to be in the mix until the end.

Alex Ovechkin (+600)

Ovechkin was one of the guys we backed during the preseason. Quite frankly, +1000 felt egregious for the generation's best and highest-volume shooter. It's still early, but getting that number sure feels like robbery. Ovechkin leads the league in shot attempts and shots on goal, and he appears completely unbothered by the absence of his usual running mate, Nicklas Backstrom.

Leon Draisaitl (+800)

Getting the current co-leader at +800 seems like a steal. However, the picture isn't as promising beneath the surface. Draisaitl is doing a fantastic job of getting into dangerous areas when he does shoot; the problem is a lack of volume. More than 40 players - 43, to be exact - have recorded more shots on goal. That's problematic because, as good as Draisaitl is, he won't shoot 30% forever. His career average is 17.4% and he's finished above 20% just once. He really needs to increase the shot volume if he's going to challenge for the "Rocket" Richard.

David Pastrnak (+1000)

Pastrnak is one of the game's best finishers but something is off this year. I think these odds imply a much better chance than Pastrnak actually has based on what we've seen. Pastrnak ranks 54th in expected goals, and 79 players have recorded more scoring chances. He has the talent to score from range but is simply not generating enough quality or quantity to pile up goals at the necessary rate to compete for this award.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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We have a rather bland three-game slate on the menu to start the week.

The Maple Leafs and Capitals are heavy home favorites over teams that aren't expected to contend for playoff spots.

Outside of that, we're left with the Panthers - who could be without their best player, Aleksander Barkov - taking on a Rangers team that has dropped three straight games.

Though it's not the most exciting card, there's still some value to be had. Let's dive into our best bets.

Panthers (-125) @ Rangers (+105)

The Panthers are the NHL's highest-scoring team, while the Rangers enter play having conceded six goals in consecutive games.

Considering those trends and the firepower involved in this game, it'd be easy to see people jumping on the over. However, I think the value lies with the under.

New York is struggling to create offense right now. The Rangers' stars haven't been as lethal as we've grown accustomed to and the team just doesn't have quality depth behind them. If the stars aren't scoring, New York isn't scoring - and right now, the team is having a tough time even creating chances.

The Rangers are generating just 1.78 expected goals at five-on-five per 60 over their last five games. That ranks dead last in the NHL.

Believe it or not, the Panthers haven't fared much better. They are creating just 2.0 xG per 60 during that span, which ranks 27th. Barkov's potential absence certainly wouldn't help matters.

Goaltending also figures to be good in this game. While Sergei Bobrovsky - the NHL's leader in goals saved above expected - is not available for this game, Florida is still in solid shape with top prospect Spencer Knight between the pipes. He owns a 4-0-1 record this season and has posted a solid .918 save percentage. Knight isn't your run-of-the-mill backup.

Things look even more promising at the other end. Igor Shesterkin, even after getting torched by the Flames, ranks third in GSAx with +8.5 through nine starts. Put another way, Shesterkin's shaving off nearly a goal more than expected each time out.

With both sides failing to create many looks at five-on-five and the projected starting netminders playing well, this has the makings of a somewhat low-scoring affair.

Bet: Under 5.5 (-110)

Bonus round

Backing a side that has conceded 12 goals in two games is a scary thought, especially against a scorching hot team that has 10 wins in 11 games. But we might just have to do it.

Florida is dealing with a few injuries to key players, including a Sam Bennett absence that has already tested the team's depth at center. If Barkov is out, the Panthers could be in a tough spot, especially on the road without control of matchups.

There is value on the Rangers (+105) at home.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Wednesday was a good night on the ice. We successfully backed the Oilers to win in regulation and the Blue Jackets to upset the injury-plagued Avalanche, even if the Blackhawks blew it in the third period to prevent us from going undefeated.

It was especially successful if you followed through on me leaning towards the Kings and the under of 5.5 goals, but I personally passed as I wanted Cal Petersen.

Thursday night offers us a jam-packed schedule to pick through. Let's get to our best bets.

Sabres (+155) @ Kraken (-175)

Remember when the Sabres were good for a week or two? Unsurprisingly, they've come crashing down to earth and are now playing to their true talent level. That's ... not good.

Buffalo ranks 30th in Corsi For percentage and only the Golden Knights, sans half of their roster, have controlled a smaller share of the five-on-five scoring chances over the last five games. The Sabres are getting absolutely cratered on a shift-by-shift basis and they don't have the talent or goaltending to keep themselves afloat when that happens.

While the Kraken have won just three of 10 games thus far, they're playing better than their results indicate. Seattle is finally starting to get healthy and it's making a big difference. The team has controlled better than 60% of the expected goals over their last five games, which ranks best in the NHL by a comfortable margin.

The Kraken have just been on the wrong end of a couple of goaltending performances recently. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin turned a dominant effort by Seattle into zero points, despite the club leading the high-danger chances 16-5 against New York. Joey Daccord started the following night for the Kraken because Chris Driedger was unavailable, and he conceded five goals on just 23 shots against the Oilers.

We probably don't have to worry about the Sabres' Craig Anderson or Dustin Tokarski stealing a game from Seattle - and with Driedger back in the mix, we can be comfortable with whoever the Kraken elect to start in goal.

I expect Seattle to dominate the run of play and get back on track with a clean home win against Buffalo.

Bet: Kraken in regulation (-115)

Golden Knights (-125) @ Senators (+105)

We've picked on the Golden Knights a lot as of late, and we're going right back to the well today.

All of the reasons we've targeted them in past games still apply. In fact, they're even shorter on players than in previous showings.

Peyton Krebs was playing regularly for Vegas, but he's no longer in the mix following this morning's trade to Buffalo for Jack Eichel. Krebs isn't a difference-maker, but he was a legitimate NHL player on a team short of them. Vegas lost Krebs on top of already playing without Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, William Karlsson, Alex Tuch (also traded), and Zach Whitecloud. That stings.

It's difficult to put into words just how much these injuries have sucked the life out of this team. The Golden Knights are perennially one of the best five-on-five sides in the NHL. Right now, they're one of the worst.

Their season numbers are bad and they're actually trending further downward. No team has controlled a lesser share of the chances over the last five games and they've allowed chances at a higher rate than anyone (36 per 60).

While the Senators are still a flawed team, they are competent. Their top line is playing well, and scratching Nikita Zaitsev should be an addition by subtraction on the back end.

Filip Gustavsson is starting and has been Ottawa's best goaltender in terms of Goals Saved Above Expectation, being the only Senators goalie with a positive number in that metric.

I like rolling the dice with Ottawa at plus money.

Bonus round: Keep your eye on the Sharks (+110). If San Jose gets some bodies back from COVID-19 protocol and/or Jordan Binnington gets the night off, it will be a worthwhile play.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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We don't have quantity on the ice Wednesday, but there is plenty of quality.

This four-game slate features several of the league's hottest teams, with the Hurricanes (8-0-0), Oilers (7-1-0), and Blues (6-1-0) among those in action.

Let's get into our best bets.

Predators (+175) @ Oilers (-210)

The Predators enter play on a four-game winning streak. I don't like their chances of making it five in this spot. Wednesday will mark Nashville's third game in four nights, and the first two were taxing contests that went to overtime.

Now, with a quick turnaround, they take on a high-powered Oilers team that is built on fast-pace, high-event hockey. Not ideal.

Making matters worse is the Predators won't have their star goaltender, Juuse Saros, between the pipes to try and bail them out. Heck, they won't even have their veteran backup in David Rittich.

Instead, 24-year-old Connor Ingram will be tasked with slowing down Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and arguably the NHL's most potent offense.

Ingram did show well in his lone NHL game; however, he posted a sub-.900 save percentage in the AHL and SHL a year ago. This is not some highly touted, can't-miss prospect.

The Oilers should be able to control the run of play at five-on-five. They're a better team in that game state and have fresh legs.

If, for some reason, they still can't win the five-on-five battle, they're in good hands with the power play. They are the most prolific team, by far, on the man advantage, and Nashville is among the most undisciplined squads. I doubt the Preds will magically clean up their act with tired legs. If anything, they'll be more prone to reaching in and taking lazy penalties.

On top of all that, Filip Forsberg's status is in question after leaving last night's game with an injury. The Predators aren't going to control play so will rely on opportunistic scoring to hang around. Losing Forsberg would be a big blow for their ability to do that.

I like the Oilers to snap Nashville's winning streak in this one, and I think it happens with relative ease.

Bet: Oilers inside regulation (-130)

Setting the table

The Blackhawks (+140) could be a worthy 'dog if they start Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. His play is trending upward and Chicago is at home. The Hurricanes have been fantastic this season but are due for some regression. Their expected goal differential at five-on-five is +2. Their actual goal differential is +13. Oh, and Frederik Andersen isn't going to give them a .955 save percentage forever.

The Blue Jackets (+155) have been bet down quite a bit, but I still see some value on this line. The Avalanche are severely undermanned, playing without the likes of Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Andre Burakovsky. They're also expected to start one of the league's worst netminders in Jonas Johansson.

Lastly, the Kings (+120) and under 5.5 goals (-110) are my leans should Cal Petersen start in goal. The Blues have overperformed thus far and are without arguably their most important player in Ryan O'Reilly. I don't see many goals in this game with the likes of O'Reilly, Viktor Arvidsson, and Drew Doughty out of the lineup - if Petersen starts, that is.

Official plays: Oilers in regulation (-130), Blue Jackets (+155)

Wait and see: Blackhawks (+140), Kings (+120) and/or under 5.5 (-110)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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We concluded the week on a high note, as the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings both came through with victories Saturday night.

We'll now look to pick up where we left off. Let's dive into our best bets for Monday's three-game slate.

Senators (+105) @ Blackhawks (-125)

I was down on the Blackhawks heading into the season. I thought they were very overrated following a few noisy additions in the summer and there was value in betting them to miss the playoffs.

But I never expected a woeful 0-7-2 start. Chicago is one of two teams without a win, and, in many categories, the tanking Coyotes have actually outperformed the Blackhawks. It's bad.

Despite all that, Chicago is a tempting side to back Monday. Patrick Kane (COVID-19 protocol) should return to the lineup in this one, which would provide a much-needed spark to the offense.

And, as poor as Marc-Andre Fleury has played to date, it seems more than reasonable to suggest Chicago has a clear edge in goal over Matt Murray.

Chicago is also flat-out due for a win. You generally don't bet teams because "they're due," but this is the NHL. Even the worst teams, usually, are going to win two or three of every 10 games.

While Chicago has obviously played poorly thus far, the extreme record is undeserved. At five-on-five, expected goals for are 16.82-12.61 in favor of Chicago's opponents. Actual goals: 29-7. The Blackhawks are deserving of a -4 goal differential but instead sit at -22.

Sooner or later, the pendulum is going to swing. This team isn't going to continue shooting 4% at five-on-five, and Fleury isn't going to continue playing like a pumpkin. Eventually, they're going to start finding some level of success.

A home date against an underwhelming Ottawa Senators team seems like a good time for that to happen.

Bet: Blackhawks (-125)

Player prop

There isn't a ton of value to be found on Monday's games themselves, so we're turning to player props.

I'm going right back to Chicago against Ottawa and backing Alex DeBrincat's shot total (2.5) to go over the number. He has attempted 59 shots through nine games, averaging more than 6.5 per contest. He's shooting every chance he gets, and he should see plenty of chances against the Senators.

Ottawa is allowing 61.05 shot attempts per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, good for 30th in the league. This is a dream matchup for a volume shooter like DeBrincat.

Bet: Alex DeBrincat over 2.5 shots on goal (-130)

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Saturday features a packed NHL card: 10 games headlined by a heavyweight clash between the Panthers and Bruins.

Let's explore some of our best bets.

Panthers (+110) @ Bruins (-130)

The Bruins own a pedestrian 3-3-0 record, but make no mistake - they remain a very good team.

As usual, Boston has had no problem dictating the run of play at five-on-five. Its share of expected goals sits at 55.66%, behind only the Capitals, Wild, and Penguins. Those three teams own a combined record of 13-4-5; good company to be keeping.

The Bruins deserve better results than they've garnered, especially defensively. They sit 24th in goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five despite ranking first in expected goals against. They aren't giving up much. Sooner or later, they'll be rewarded.

Florida, meanwhile, is an extremely dangerous team. That's especially true with Sergei Bobrovsky looking far more dependable than predicted. But the NHL's leader in goals saved above expected won't start tonight in a very bad spot for the Panthers.

Both teams are playing their third game in four nights, but Boston was idle Friday while Florida played a taxing overtime road game against the Red Wings.

Though they're obviously performing well, the Panthers have taken things to extremes amid their 8-0-0 start. Their expected goal differential at five-on-five is approximately plus-2. Their actual goal differential is plus-11.

Boston is playing better than its record indicates, while Florida isn't as invincible as it seems. We like the Bruins to hand the Panthers their first loss.

Bet: Bruins -130

Canadiens (-105) @ Kings (-115)

The Kings own a 1-5-1 record and are without two of their best defenders in Drew Doughty and Sean Walker. Even so, this line sells them a bit short.

Los Angeles ranks 10th in expected goal share and owns an even goal differential at five-on-five. That's impressive considering its poor record.

The Kings' biggest issue, by and large, has been their play on special teams. The power play has been inconsistent, and only the Coyotes have given up goals at a higher rate while shorthanded.

It just so happens that the Canadiens are a lesser five-on-five team and comparably bad on special teams. Montreal has scored only three goals in 46 power-play minutes - the team is essentially three-for-23 on the season - and struggled on the penalty kill. Conversely, only four teams have spent more time shorthanded, and that inability to stay out of the box has highlighted Montreal's penalty-killing issues.

Put simply, the Kings look like the better five-on-five squad and - despite their own struggles - aren't any worse than their opponents when it comes to special teams.

Cal Petersen is expected to start in goal for Los Angeles, and it seems he's a clear upgrade over Jonathan Quick at this point in the latter's career.

Montreal, meanwhile, will either continue overworking Jake Allen with his eighth start in nine games or turn to Sam Montembeault and his .890 career save percentage.

Whatever the case may be, the Kings are worth backing tonight on home ice.

Bet: Kings -115

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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We're going to run regular player props articles going forward. They'll begin on a daily basis once the MLB season ends, but the fun starts now with no baseball today.

Let's get right into it.

Brock Boeser to score (+200)

Boeser, as usual, has been a shooting machine, piling up 24 shot attempts in just four games. That puts him within striking distance of Elias Pettersson (31) for the team lead among forwards, despite not even getting half of Pettersson's ice time.

Boeser is the Canucks' biggest scoring threat by far in terms of efficiency. He's generating more than 12 chances per 60 minutes across all game states. For perspective, Nils Hoglander is the closest at 8.47 per 60 minutes.

Boeser is a high-end finisher and is creating chances in bulk. The matchup here is quite enticing too.

The Flyers are in the latter half of a road back-to-back. Fatigue could play a factor for Philadelphia and I don't like Martin Jones' chances of bailing them out. He's been one of the NHL's worst goalies for years, finishing with a sub-.900 save percentage in three consecutive seasons.

If Boeser is able to create a few looks on net - which doesn't seem like a big ask - I like his odds of converting one against Jones.

Viktor Arvidsson to score (+230)

There is a shoot-first mentality, and then there is whatever Arvidsson has. The guy is the definition of trigger-happy and will not pass up the opportunity to shoot, ever.

Arvidsson has attempted a ridiculous 46 shots through six games, averaging 7.66 per contest. And it's not as if they're all low-danger garbage; he is also leading the Kings in scoring chances (27).

Despite piling up shots and chances while playing on the top line and power play, Arvidsson has just one goal to show for his efforts. One.

Lucky for him, tonight's matchup against the Jets seems like the ultimate breakout spot. Winnipeg ranks 25th in scoring chances against per minute and 2020 Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck is getting the night off. Arvidsson will instead be shooting on journeyman Eric Comrie, who owns a .873 career save percentage.

Look for Arvidsson to take advantage.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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Wednesday night's slate was a mixed bag for us. We started on a positive note by winning our under - at plus money, no less - in the Boston versus Florida game.

We appeared destined for a 2-0 night, but, despite dominating the game, Dallas blew a lead with a minute to go in regulation and then fell in overtime to the undermanned Vegas Golden Knights.

We'll aim for better tonight as we look at the best way to attack this nine-game slate.

Jets (-115) @ Kings (-105)

Winnipeg enters this contest in a good spot. The team has won three consecutive games, and its captain, Blake Wheeler, might return to the lineup.

Combine that with the recent injuries to Kings defenders Drew Doughty and Sean Walker, and the Jets seem like an obvious team to back, right? Not so fast.

The Jets, despite their recent success, aren't playing very well. They place 26th in expected goal share at five-on-five, and they're ranked even worse for high-danger chances. Only the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings have controlled smaller shares in the latter category than Winnipeg (42%).

So, why have the Jets been winning? A combination of high shooting percentages and Connor Hellebuyck.

I doubt they're going to continue shooting the lights out sans Mark Scheifele, and Hellebuyck won't be in the net tonight to bail out the team's defensive mistakes.

Instead, it'll be journeyman Eric Comrie between the pipes. The 26-year-old has bounced around quite a bit in recent years. He's only appeared in nine NHL games, and they haven't gone well as he owns a .873 career save percentage.

While the Kings aren't exactly known for their finishing ability, they do generate chances in bulk. They're tied with the Washington Capitals for fifth in high-danger chances at five-on-five.

I expect L.A. to create plenty of opportunities against Winnipeg, which should lead to success against Comrie.

Bet: Kings -105.

Avalanche (-125) @ Blues (+105)

The Blues are an improved team, and I expect them to contend for a playoff spot in the Central Division. With that said, I think people are getting a little too carried away with the hype surrounding the club right now.

While they are undefeated, their 5-0-0 record isn't as impressive as it looks on the surface. Hear me out.

St. Louis opened the season with a 5-3 win over Colorado. The Avalanche were missing Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, and Devon Toews, among others. Despite that, Colorado out-chanced the Blues by 17 and came very close to taking them to overtime.

The Blues followed that up by beating a tanking Arizona team that started Carter Hutton, arguably the league's worst regular goaltender.

Up next? They squeezed out a 3-1 win over the Golden Knights, who were playing without Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, and Alex Tuch.

Then they beat Los Angeles - minus Doughty - a couple of times while losing the Grade A chance battle 27-20 in aggregate. Truly impressive.

Yes, they can only play the teams in front of them. Yes, they deserve credit for finding ways to win. But their schedule, aided by injury troubles, has been soft, and, quite frankly, the Blues haven't controlled play as much as I'd like to see given the circumstances.

This is a team with a negative five-on-five high-danger chance differential - even accounting for score effects - that's been propped up by an unsustainably high 105.5 PDO (shooting percentage plus save percentage).

Tonight St. Louis expects to be without two-way star Ryan O'Reilly, who led the team in goals above replacement (plus-24.3) over the last two years. That's going to make a big difference, especially going up against the likes of MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Mikko Rantanen.

Even undermanned on the backend, I like the Avs to hand the Blues their first loss of the season.

Bet: Avalanche -125.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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