The set-up: I'm expecting a wide open "shootout" between these two high-flying Western Conference opponents. San Jose was second in the Pacific last year, while Las Vegas was third. San Jose advanced to the Western Conference Finals despite finishing the regular season with the worst team save percentage in the NHL (.889). Both San Jose goalies have struggled vs. the Knights, as Aaron Dell is 0-2-1 with a 4.46 GAA, while Martin Jones is 3-2-0 with a 3.44 GAA. San Jose got the job done with its offense last year, averaging 3.52 GPG, which was second best (the defense allowed 3.15 GPG, which was the 11th highest.)

The pick: The Knights averaged 3.00 GPG and they conceded 2.78 last year. Last year the Knights were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by these very Sharks in Game 7 on a controversial call. Clearly the home side will be out to beatdown their visitors here today. When you add up all the situational factors above, as stated off the top I believe this one does indeed have "shootout" written all over it.

10* play on the over Sharks/Knights.