The set-up: As primiarily a situational handicapper, I think this one sets up great for the home side. Montreal beat the Wild 4-0 in its final home game, before then getting the better of the defending champs 5-2 in St. Louis just last night. The Wild are rested, revenge-minded and hungry after a 1-6 start. I think this absolutely sets up as a letdown spot for the Habs, while I believe this has essentially become a "must win" contest for the Wild.

The pick: At some point Montreal is going to have a letdown and that "some point" is tonight! In my professional opinion, this is the very definition of great line value on a situational selection.

9* COACH'S CORNER on the Minnesota Wild.