The set-up: I think these two hungry Western Conference foes push the pace from start to finish in this and I look for this total to fly over sooner, rather than later. Overall the Stars average 2.5 goals and allow 2.4, while Nashville averages 2.9 goals and it concedes 2.6. Ben Bishop is in net for the Stars and the Predators go with Pekka Rinne.

The pick: Take it for what you will though, but Dallas has seen the total go to "over" the number in three of four this year on the road when the total is five or less, while Nashville has seen the total fly "over" in six of its last eight after a three-game unbeaten streak. I expect these two normally defensive minded clubs to open things up in Game 1.

Predators/Stars OVER