The Coach's 10* NHL Total ANNIHILATOR
(NHL) NY Rangers vs. Columbus,
Total: 5.50 | 110.00 Over
Result: Win
The New York Rangers opened the year with four straight wins but have now suffered setbacks in two straight games. They'll face off with a Columbus Blue Jackets team in a similar situation, coming off three consecutive losses after winning two of their first three of the year. The visitors played at Boston last night, and I think they'll control the tempo here and make it a slow low-scoring contest.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Stale Offenses - The Blue Jackets ranks near the bottom of the league averaging only 2.49 goals per game. They've scored two goals in each of their last three games, and have not managed more than 20 shots on goal in any of their last four games. The Rangers are even worse for wear lately though, coming off back-to-back shutout losses.

2. King Henrik - The Swede came off after two periods after allowing three goals on 32 shots in the loss against the Islanders Tuesday. He had won four consecutive games prior, conceding only five goals, and will be back hungry for revenge here after sitting out at Boston last night.

3. X-Factor - The Blue Jackets have scored 35 of their 106 goals this season on the power play. They might not get that many chances on the man advantage as the Rangers only takes 9.1 penalty minutes per game on average.

Selection: This is a play on NYR@CBJ to go under the total (10*)