The set-up: Buffalo looked "ok" for the first half last year, but then it predictably tanked in the second. A big reason why? It's play on the road, where it finished a terrible 12-24-5. Overall the Sabres were eighth in both the least goals scored and in the most conceded. Both Carter Hutton and Linus Ullmark return between the pipes for Buffalo.

The pick: The Penguins finished third in the Metropolitan last year and clearly this core group of players is hoping to a return to form. Pittsburgh has to be feeling pretty good about its chances here though as it finished a sharp 23-14-4 on its own ice last season. Goaltender Matt Murray is 3-0-1 lifetime vs. Buffalo. Overall the Pens scored the sixth highest amount of goals last year, while giving up the 14th most. I'm banking on Sid The Kid and company taking care of business in this favorable opening night home matchup. Lay the price.

8* play on the Penguins.