The set-up: Two teams which would have to run the board to make the playoffs collide in this non-conference matchup on Monday night. While that's clearly not going to happen, each remains competitive and I believe that trend carries over here and contributes to a higher-scoring affair. The Oilers off a 4-0 road win over Columbus. After losing 11 of 12 the Oilers have won four of five. Oilers' goaltender Mikko Koskinen is just 8-12 with a 3.07 GAA on the road. Buffalo enters off a 5-2 road loss in Toronto. The Sabres are 13-27 in their last 40 games. Buffalo averages 3.13 goals and allows 3.03 at home this year.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Edmonton has seen the total go "over" the number in three of four after shutting out its opponent in its previous game, while Buffalo has seen the total go "over" in 11 of its last 16 after a loss by two goals or more in its previous outing. This number is low, play the "over."

10* play