Colorado at Washington

Colorado is the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the NHL this season. The Avalanche did that by defeating the Blackhawks, 4-1, in Chicago two days ago. That halted a three-game losing streak and has put the Avalanche back on the right path. Don't expect a letup here as the Avalanche are only three points ahead of Dallas for the most points in the Western Conference. This is more than a fair price to lay given how superior Colorado is to Washington. The Capitals are six points back of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. They were sellers at the trade deadline. Colorado is first both offensively and defensively. The Capitals are 17th in scoring and 29th on the power play. They have only managed to score more than two goals per game in two of their last nine games. Take the Avalanche.