The set-up: Both of these starting pitchers have a lot of talent and potential, but I think each will get the hook early on Wednesday night and I believe that'll lead to this total flying over the posted number sooner, rather than later. Jordan Yamamoto (0-0, 9.00 ERA) allowed four runs off six hits, including two dingers, in a fortunate no-decision vs. the O's on Thursday. Last year he was 4-5 with a 4.96 ERA and I think he'll struggle in this difficult matchup. 

The pick: Nate Pearson (0-0, 2.70) gets the call for the Jays and he most recently allowed three runs over five innings in a no-decision to the Braves on Thursday. Pearson has been decent over his first two MLB starts, but regression at some point does seem imminent. The sample size is simply too small still and I'm unconvinced Pearson can keep up these numbers for much longer. As stated off the top, I look for both pitchers to get the hook early and I look for that to help in seeing this total eclipse the posted number once it's all said and done.

This is a 10* ULTIMATE SLUG-FEST DESTRUCTION on the OVER Fish/Jays.

The set-up: Enough is enough! The White Sox were picked by many to go deep into the post-season, if not legitimately contend for the World Series, but shoddy starting pitching and lack of production has been the early theme for Chicago. Detroit wasn't supposed to do well at all and it's probably done better than most would have though to this point. But all of that said, I think that the visiting side will step up here and take full advantage of this favorable starting pitching matchup. Chicago goes with Dylan Cease (2-1, 4.05 ERA) who enters off a gem vs. Cleveland on Friday, allowing two hits and striking out four over five scoreless for the victory. 

The pick: The home side counters with the beleagured Matthew Boyd (0-1, 9.20) who allowed seven runs off eight hits with three walks over 4.2 innings vs. the Pirates on Friday. Last year Boyd was a shaky 9-12 with a 4.56 ERA and it appears as if his issues are carried over into 2020. I'm banking on Cease being a difference maker here!

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the Chicago White Sox.

The set-up: Yes the Flyers looked great over their three-game round robin, they annihilated Tampa, Washington and Dallas. The Flyers look "for real," but I think they'll have all they can handle from the Canadiens in this first game. 

The pick: The Habs were fantastic in dispatching the Penguins as they continue to get a high level of play from star goaltender Carey Price. Montreal is deep and it benefited from the extra time off. In a contest which I see being decided late or even in extra time, I'm laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals.

This is an 6* play on the Habs PUCK LINE.

The set-up: The Islanders grinded out first round victory over Florida, but now they face a veteran laden Capitals team that's loaded with talent on both ends of the ice. New York's strength is its depth across its four lines, but the Capitals have been here before and I think that they'll find a way to get the job done here as well. 

The pick: The first game of each series in the playoffs will be critical to win, as there is no home ice advantage this season. If a home team loses its first game, it absolutely has a big time advantage in that second game in trying to rebound. But that factor is now nullified because of the Pandemic. I look for Braden Holtby and the Capitals to come out firing in Game 1, so lay the reasonable price.

This is an 8* play on the Capitals.

The set-up: The Coyotes have an interesting mix of youth and veteran leadership and while I do think Arizona will win a couple games in this series, I ultimately look for the Avs to prevail in the end and in Game 1. Yes Arizona squeaked by Nashville in its opening round series, but Colorado's offense is on an entirely different level. 

The pick: The Avs aren't afraid to get dirty either. This will for sure be an interesting series, but Colorado is fresher, deeper and more talented. All things considered, I feel this line could/should in fact be a lot larger.

This is an 8* play on the Avs.