Colorado @ Toronto
Before the season began, a large number of hockey pundits were predicting that the Maple Leafs would have a solid shot at a playoff spot, whilst the Colorado Avalanche, in rebuild mode, would probably have a long and potentially miserable season ahead of them.
Several clashes into the regular season and this particular script has been reversed; Toronto are badly struggling whilst Colorado are the surprise of the West so far, starting the year at 3-1-1 and coming off the back of a massive Columbus Day victory in Boston against the Bruins. Their early season form has been inexplicable for some but remember that this is a young team full of spirit, with a solid goaltender in Craig Anderson.
Anderson guarantees that the Avalanche will be able to compete strongly in every game; so far the Avs have responded with plenty of offense (3 players have 6 points already). Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have been awful. They are yet to win a game and will be coming off yet another loss at the hands of the New York Rangers at MSG. It seems odd that the Maple Leafs are favored in this game at +128. However, if the Avalanche start with back-up Peter Dubaj in order to give Anderson a rest, the Maple Leafs stand a good chance of winning their first game of the season.
If the Maple Leafs decide to start their back-up Joey Macdonald, giving him his first start of the season, the Maple Leafs will probably win this game. Conversely, if both teams decide to go with their regular starting goalies, it seems wise to take the Avs at NHL odds.
Detroit @ Buffalo
This is a unique challenge for the Buffalo Sabres, who have been good so far despite their lack of offense. They totaled over 40 shots on goal last Saturday but were still not able to score. As a team, they have a total of 11 points (compared to Detroit's 34). That must change if the Sabres are to compete for a playoff spot in the East, especially with the way Ryan Miller has played. His goals against is 0.99 and he already has a shutout. He's carrying this team and it's about time they rewarded him with some offense.
Detroit, after losing two in Europe, have bounced back nicely, winning two in North America against the Blackhawks and Washington. They are 12-2-1 in the last 15 meetings against Buffalo and 5-1-1 in the last 7 games in Buffalo. They have, however, lost Johan Franzen for several months and will have some major adjustments to make.
A tie seems about right for this game in the Game Winner Market. The Red Wings lost a lot of offense and Ryan Miller has been standing on his head to start the season.
