The Prez

THE PLAY: F5 Total Under 3.5 (-140) Payton Tolle (LHP), Cam Schlittler (RHP) Must Start

F5 UNDER 3.5 BOSTON VS NEW YORK

THIS LINE IS GOOD AT 3. -110

Game 1 features two starting pitchers who have already proven they can dominate this exact opponent. Cam Schlittler finished his Cy Young-caliber season with a 1.95 ERA, 239 strikeouts and a .185 batting average allowed. He was even better against Boston, posting a 0.74 ERA across four starts while recording 27 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings.

Payton Tolle has been just as dominant. The rookie posted a 3.03 ERA with 171 strikeouts and finished the season with a 2.66 ERA across his final 13 starts. In two outings against New York, Tolle allowed only one run, held the Yankees to four hits in 43 at-bats and struck out 18.

Neither lineup has shown an answer for these pitchers. Aaron Judge and Willson Contreras are also dealing with injuries, potentially removing or limiting two of the game's most important bats. That places even more pressure on two offenses already facing difficult pitching matchups.

The best-of-three format should produce maximum urgency from both starters, with neither manager willing to let early traffic develop. Schlittler and Tolle both possess the ability to swing and miss their way out of trouble without relying on balls in play.

With both pitchers entering this game with dominant head-to-head numbers, early scoring should be extremely limited. Don't be surprised when this game is 0-0 by the time the bullpens get involved. It's a low total for a reason

THE PLAY: Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (-115)

like the Edmonton Oilers to win by more than 1.5 goals Tuesday night against Vancouver.

The biggest factor is the massive gap between these two teams entering the season. Edmonton is being viewed as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, while Vancouver is coming off a season in which it missed the playoffs and is projected near the bottom of the NHL. Reuters currently has Edmonton ranked 3rd entering the season and Vancouver 32nd.

The recent head-to-head results are particularly compelling. Edmonton won 3 of the 4 meetings last season, and the final two matchups were absolute blowouts: 6-0 and 6-1. That's a combined 12-1 in Edmonton's favor.

Vancouver also has a major question in goal. Thatcher Demko is not expected to be available for the opener because of his hip injury, while Kevin Lankinen struggled last season, going 11-27-5 with a .875 save percentage. That is a difficult situation against an Edmonton attack led by Connor McDavid and the Oilers' elite offensive core.

Special teams could also be a major difference. Edmonton's power play is being highlighted as a significant matchup advantage against Vancouver's penalty kill heading into opening night. If Edmonton gets several opportunities with the man advantage, the Oilers have the offensive talent to turn a close game into a multi-goal victory.

Plus, I love that the Oilers have a new coach - they are going to come out flying.