Wow. Actually “wow” twice!

First, the Avalanche absolute domination from Saturday night, making the two-time Stanley Cup champions look old, second-tier, and just outclassed. Sixteen shots, really? Can you say that any one of Tampa's players had a good game? Nope. And then second to Steve Dotzel, who totally nailed the DFS player predictions for the Saturday game – and was hopefully rewarded with a big payday. I played most of his lineup and made back all the $$ I'd bet in the regular season. Thanks, Steve!

Monday in Amalie Arena it's going to be different, right? I mean to say, the Lightning can't go down 0-3 in front of the home fans! Kucherov will be faster, Point will be healed, Stamkos will find the open ice, and the Bolts will dominate……or not. Actually, why would I "buy" any of that reasoning? Colorado not only has LOOKED like the better team, they ARE the better team. My article before Game 1 listed rest, hunger, and team speed as my reasons to favor the Avs, and it seems to have played out exactly that way. So when you see the mainstream predicting the great comeback, resist.

My DraftKings lineup for Game 3: Captain (again): CALE MAKAR ($14,700 with the added 50% cost and bonus). His two late goals Saturday, including a shortie, put him back into the driver's seat for the Conn Smythe trophy. Add flex players GABRIEL LANDESKOG ($7800) and MIKKO RANTANEN ($9200), along with UFA-to-be DARCY KUEMPER ($10,000). DraftKings values Kuemper higher IN TAMPA than Andrei Vasilevskiy!! Who saw that coming? From the Lightning, I'm playing their "energy guys" from the DFS cheap seats. Watching the first two games, it's hard not to be impressed by NICK PAUL ($6000), and my fourth liner is PAT MAROON ($2000). If Tampa does pull out a 3-2 win or loses by the same score, it'll be their bottom 6 more than their top line that gets it done.

I predicted Avalanche to win the Cup in 5 games, thus not only does Tampa get one win at home, but more importantly, this would be my last DFS article for '21-'22. To everyone who's read, with or without agreement, I pass along my thanks. I was a subscriber and follower for years, and my own fantasy successes are in part due to information that the editors here have spent countless hours to help all of us. The ultimate fantasy package is well worth the modest price!

I hope to be back next year – I'm retiring from my "day job" soon, so I'll have more time to research before the October 11 season start.

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