Boston Bruins (115) Hockey Odds  - Thu Oct 9 ‘08 10:05p

The Boston Bruins were a surprise playoff entrant last year, thanks to a defensive-minded trapping style implemented by Coach Claude Julien and great goaltending. With very little personnel turnover in the off season, look for the Bruins to use that style to upset the Colorado Avalanche on the road on opening night. All-Star Tim Thomas is expected to get the start in goal here, and he is coming off of a breakout season where he has an excellent 2.44 GAA and a 92.1 percent save percentage. Now granted, he did not see as many shots as many other goalies do because of the Bruins suffocating defense, but that figures to be the case here again. The most important player on the ice tonight though may just be Patrice Bergeron, who was knocked out for the season in the first month last year with a concussion. Bergeron topped 70 points each of the previous two seasons, and he should provide the added offensive punch that they lacked last season. Meanwhile, the Avs are a year older and have very suspect goaltending. Also, they are not accustomed to facing teams like this in the much more wide open Western Conference. Yes, they were beset with injuries last year, but the corps of this team is still old and they just may back down vs. the Bruins physical style. This is a vote for defense over offense at an underdog price. NHL Free Pick: Bruins +115 - Courtesy of LT Profits