1* free play on ANA Ducks...

The Anaheim Ducks are coming into this contest ranked second in the NHL, two points off league leading Nashville. They're hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, a team sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference, five points off the last play-off spot. The Maple Leafs have won the last six meetings in this series, but I think the Ducks will prove to be too strong tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Toronto's Slumping Offense - The Leafs ranks near the bottom of the league with their 3.05 goals against per game, so it's clear they need to outscore their opponent to have a shot at winning. Over recent games they just haven't been able to get it done, scoring only nine goals over their last five, with five of those goals coming at home to the Blue Jackets. They were shut out by the Kings in L.A. Monday, held to only 19 shots on goal.

2. Road Woes - The Maple Leafs are 7-9-3 away from home for the season and have lost five of their last six on the road.

3. X-Factor - The Ducks have gone 3-for-8 on the power play over their last two games. They have a 16.7% conversion rate on the man advantage overall, but are far stronger at home where they're scoring on 19.2% of their opportunities.

Selection: This is a play on the Anaheim Ducks (Free)