Free Playoff Betting Pick: Colorado Avalanche (165)
Thu Apr 24 ‘08 7:35p - Click Here for Playoff Betting Odds
The Detroit Red Wings remain prime Stanley Cup contenders and they are prohibitive favorites in these Conference Semifinals over the Colorado Avalanche, but the Wings may have a surprise in store for them in Game 1.

Now granted, Detroit swept the four-game season series from the Avalanche, not even allowing a single goal in the last three matchups. However, that may serve as a negative here, as the Wings may be a tad overconfident and may feel that they should be able to conserve some energy this series with a perceived tougher opponent on deck in the next round. That could backfire tonight though vs. a Colorado team that is playing its best hockey of the season right now.

The Avs won two games on the road while knocking off the Minnesota Wild in six games in the opening round, as they got some solid goaltending from Jose Theodore, who allowed just four goals in the last three games. Colorado also received a lift from three players they acquired or re-acquired before the trading deadlines in Ruslan Salei and old favorites Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote. Thus this is not the same team that the Wings dominated most of the year and they cannot be taken lightly.

Now we feel that Detroit is going to win this series regardless of the result tonight. However, we do look for the Avalanche to send the Wings a wake-up call with a Game 1 upset.

NHL Free Pick: Avalanche +165 - Click Here to Buy LT Profit’s Expert NHL Betting Picks