The set-up: Two of the best teams in their respective conferences collide on the West Coast on Monday night and in my opinion, goals are going to be plentiful. Boston is in a tight race for second place in the East behind Tampa. The Bruins are looking to sweep the California portion of their road trip with another victory here after dispatching the Kings 4-2 on Saturday. Keep your eyes on Boston's Brad Marchand, who has four goals and 13 assists over his last ten games (he also has four goals and three assists in 12 lifetime match ups vs. the Sharks.) San Jose can't afford to take the foot off the gas either as its tied atop the Pacific with Calgary. The Sharks also hit the road for a four game Eastern swing immediately after this one, making tonight's contest that much more important. From a "situational" stand point, this one absolutely sets up as a high-scoring shootout in my opinion.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well though, but Boston has seen the total go "over" the number in five of its last six following a three games or more unbeaten streak, while San Jose has seen the total go "over" in 15 of its last 21 non-conference games. This number is low, play the "over."

10* play