Colorado Avalanche Vs Tampa Bay Lightning

Colorado is a surprising 14-8-6 thus far, and most of their success has to do with an improved defense and good goaltending. The Avalanche were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season, but they are allowing fewer than three goals per game this year, including a respectable 2.81 goals per game on the road.

Their starting goaltender Craig Anderson owns 13 of the 14 team wins, and he has a 2.67 GAA and .918 save percentage. Anderson has also played well in three starts against the Lightning despite just a 1-1-1 record in those games, as he owns a nice 2.06 GAA against them.

The Lightning have also played great defense at home, where they are allowing an excellent 2.09 goals per contest in 11 games so far. Mike Smith is expected to get the start in goal, and he was excellent the last time he faced the Avalanche, stopping 34 shots in a tough-luck 2-1 shootout loss here in Tampa.

Now this game may not quite be as low scoring as that last encounter, but we still envision a rather safe Under here.

Free Pick: Avalanche, Lightning Under 5½ (-105)