NHL Odds: Blackhawks-Avalanche prediction, odds and pick

The Avalanche went 56-19-7 last season and won the Stanley Cup. They went 4-0 against the Blackhawks. The Hawks struggled last year and finished 28-42-12. Colorado averaged 3.76 goals per game and allowed 2.83. Chicago's penalty kill was 15th in the league. Chicago won't be able to defend the Cup against Colorado.

The Blackhawks are rebuilding and their glory days are behind them. Patrick Kane scored 26 goals and 66 assists last season. Jonathan Toews managed 12 goals, 25 assists and a plus-minus of -14. The Hawks traded Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators and brought in Max Domi and Tyler Johnson to supplement the offense lost. Seth Jones is their next best player after Kane. Petr Mrazek is the new goalie. He has a career 2.64 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

The champs are ready to defend their title. Nathan MacKinnon scored 32 goals and 56 assists in 65 games last season. Mikko Rantanen scored 36 goals, and Cale Makar won the Norris Trophy. Gabriel Landeskog hopes to play more. Valeri Nichushkin will take over for Nazem Kadri and Andri Burakovsky. Devon Toews is back to help Makars line an excellent defense. Alexander Georgiev signed from the New York Rangers.

The Avs won all four games against the Hawks, but they didn't win any game by more than two goals. The Avans are favored to win by 3 goals, so the best bet is to take the Blackhawks to cover the spread.