The Coach's NHL Sunday Night SURE SHOT
(NHL) Toronto vs. Chicago,
Total: 5.50 | 100.00 Under
Result: Loss
The Toronto Maple Leafs were on a roll, winning six consecutive games but defensive issues have led to 11 conceded goals over back-to-back losses. The Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a loss as well, despite having their #1 netminder back between the pipes. Both teams have scored plenty of goals this season and I think we'll see a high-scoring encounter when these two Original Six teams take the ice in Chicago tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Maple Leafs Gameplan - The Leafs finished the 2013/2014 season ranked near the bottom of the league with their 3.07 goals allowed per game. It's almost like they've embraceed their leaking defense and instead of plugging it they've decided to simply go out and outscore their opponents. It's been a fairly successful strategy with no other team scoring more goals than the Leafs this season, but we can once again find them near the bottom of the league for goals allowed.

2. Trends - Four of the Maple Leafs last five on the road coming up against a team with a home winning percentage above .600 have gone over the total. Only one of the Blackhawks last five at home have gone under.

3. X-Factor - Only three teams in the NHL are allowing more shots on goal per game than the Maple Leafs and their 34.1. They've been giving up close to 40 shots per game over their last four and Chicago fired 47 shots the first meeting this season.

Selection: This is a play on TOR@CHI to go over the total (8*)