The Bruins played well on the road horrible at home last season. But I have to fade them in their opening away contest here. Not only will the Bruins be minus star forward Patrice Bergeron, out with a lower-body injury, but they will be short-handed on defense with several injuries.

The Bruins will have a lot of youth to go with veteran Zdeno Chara, who at 39 has slowed down. Boston could have a couple of defensemen making their NHL debuts. This puts a lot of pressure on Chara and goalie Tuukka Rask.

Columbus has enough scoring to take advantage with Brandon Saad, Boone Jenner, Brandon Dubinsky and Scott Hartnell. I'm expecting the Blue Jackets' youthful defense to be improved this season and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky looked outstanding during the World Cup.