BOS vs. SJS Pick: BOS ML

Sorry for the few days without Daily Picks. We’ve been dealing with the hurricane and had to step away for a bit. Thanks for bearing with us—we’re back tonight, and we’re heading to San Jose.

Boston won four of its first six games without Charlie McAvoy. Now the Bruins get their defenseman back, with Jeremy Swayman already giving them excellent work in goal. That’s a combination we like against the Sharks. Boston moneyline at -109 is tonight’s play.

Swayman has stopped 93.2% of the shots he’s faced this season. Across the ice, Yaroslav Askarov enters at 86.0%. Those numbers will move around as the season develops, but Boston has gotten considerably more reliable work from its starter so far. With both goalies confirmed, that advantage is central to our decision.

McAvoy’s return gives the Bruins another way to help themselves. His first pass is worth watching tonight: getting the puck onto a forward’s stick cleanly can turn a shift spent defending into a chance to attack. We’d like to see Boston use that to get David Pastrnak involved with possession, rather than making him chase pucks while the Sharks get organized.

San Jose’s speed makes those exits important. A careless pass through the middle gives the Sharks exactly the kind of opportunity Boston should be trying to take away. McAvoy will have to find his timing after the layoff, but his ability to move the puck is a welcome addition in this matchup.

We’re backing Boston’s advantage in goal and the help arriving in front of it. At a modest favorite’s price, the Bruins get our vote tonight.

SLS Daily Pick: Boston Bruins ML (-109). Playable at -115 or better.