Anaheim at Colorado

Anaheim +155 +1.5(-190) Over 5.5(-125)
Colorado -175 -1.5(+165) Under 5.5(+105)

Huge game for Colorado, as they find themselves clinging to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Going into action the Avalanche lead the Flames by four points and must get back on track after dropping two games in a row, and losing five of six. Not the best time of year to have a losing streak, but common for young teams as the pressure of the playoffs intensifies. Colorado goalie, Craig Anderson, who has been solid all season, has given up more than four goals in four of his last five starts. This starts a crucial three game homestand for the Av's which includes Friday's showdown with the Calgary Flames. Colorado did play better on Sunday at San Jose putting up 45 shots on goal but fell 4-3. As for the Ducks, they have been a lousy team on the road posting a 12-20-5 record. They have not beat a playoff bound team outside of Anaheim since Jan. 10th when they won in Chicago. It appears that backup goalie, Curtis McElhinney will get the start for the injured Jonas Hiller. Second leader scorer, Ryan Getzlaf, is still battling an ankle injury and he didn't make the trip to Colorado.

The Pick: Colorado (-175)
It's hard to trust the Ducks on the road because the only team that they have beaten since Feb. 2nd on the road is Edmonton. Anaheim is almost certainly eliminated, while Colorado is fighting for their playoff lives and desperate for two points.