Simply put: Alexandar Georgiev answered the call in Game 2 in Winnipeg. While I still don't fully trust him, I do believe Georgiev played well enough to get the confidence boost he needed for the Avs to go on a run. I also expect a better performance from Connor Hellebuyck, but this Avs attack is lethal. Look for Colorado to continue its dominance at Ball Arena on Friday night.

Colorado head coach Jared Bender is proving to be loyal to a fault with Alexandar Georgiev set to start again in net for the Avs after surrendering 7 goals in Game 1. The Avs have proven that they can score against the Jets, and Georgiev has proven he can't be trusted. The over looks safe here.

I'm going to buck the trend on this one, as I believe the Avs will bounce back in Game 2. This Colorado team is far too talented to make another Round 1 exit this year, but if they fall behind 0-2, it likely will happen. Looks for the trio of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar to come out strong.

This price is far less than ideal, but I am much more confident in this puck line than I am in either side of the moneyline. Nathan MacKinnon has been the best player in the NHL this season, and I expect him to have the Avs dialed in. I expect this game to be tight and stay within one goal until the end.

Playoff hockey games tend to be lower scoring than regular season games, but I expect to see plenty of offensive fireworks in this one. The Avs led the NHL at 3.68 goals per game and have the best first line in the league. The Jets are elite defensively, and goalie Connor Hellebuyck is going to win the Vezina. I expect Colorado to light the lamp at least there times, but what makes me love the over here is the fact that Avs goalie Alexandar Georgiev has been struggling mightily as of late.

The Lakers are playing well, but they simply don't matchup well with this Nuggets team. Nikola Jokic has been a thorn in L.A.'s side and I expect that to continue on Saturday night. I'm laying the points and expect Denver to win by 10.

This is an outstanding first round playoff matchup. Pasta vs. Auston Matthews is must-see TV for any hockey fan. Both teams have strong net-minders, but I still expect to see 6+ goals in this one.

According to Jared Bednar, none of Colorado's top players will rest in this matchup. Justus Annunen will be in net for the Avs, but he may be there better option at this point. I expect a solid effort from Colorado in front of the home crowd at Ball Arena.

This heavyweight Western Conference matchup is a must-see game for basketball fans. The winner will likely be the No. 1 seed in the West, and these teams matchup fairly well with each other. These teams have gone over this number in three of their last four matchups, and with Jamal Murray back in action for Denver I expect this game to end up with a point total around 220.

Minnesota mathematically hasn't been eliminated from postseason contention, but it's close. The Avs, particularly goalie Alexander Georgiev, have played horribly in three of their last four games. Colorado needs to get right before the Playoffs start and this is the spot I believe they'll do it. I'll like the Avs even more if Mikko Rantanen returns.

This one is a slam dunk for me (pun intended). I believe this number is at least 7-8 points too low, as both teams rank near the bottom of the NBA in points allowed per game. On the offensive end, Dallas is capable of erupting. I expect this one to end up going north of 230 total points.

The big men in this matchup are going to garner most of the hype and media attention leading up to tipoff. But I believe it will be UConn's undeniable advantage in the backcourt that will decide this game. I expect a big time performance from Tristen Newton, who will lead the Huskies to their second consecutive national title. I'm laying the points here.

Rivalry games are rivalry games, but these teams are trending in opposite directions. The Rangers control their own destiny and have a very real chance at winning this year's Presidents' Trophy. The Devils showed signs of life after the All-Star break, but are very unlikely to qualify for the NHL Playoffs at this point. I expect a dominant performance from the Rangers at MSG, and love this pick at +122.

This may have been my favorite of the Sweet 16 matchups. Both teams are Final Four caliber, and there will be plenty of star power in this one. Tennessee has the best player in Dalton Knecht, but Creighton has arguably the best trio in the country in Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. I expect a hard-fought, close game throughout and I'm going to take the points here.

If Purdue can match its second round performance (106-67 win over Utah State), they will win this game comfortably. That said, Gonzaga is a better team than Utah State, and the Bulldogs are playing their best basketball of the season at the right time. Gonzaga coach Mark Few is one of the best in the business, and with plenty of time to prepare for Purdue's Zach Edey-led attack, I expect the Zags to keep this one close. I'm going to take the points here.