The set-up: The Hurricans broke a four-game slide to the Senators at home last time out, but I think they'll return to mediocrity here vs. this hungry home side. And that's because the once blazing Sabres enter having lost five straight. This is the first time these teams have played this season, but Buffalo plays with triple revenge here as well after Carolina took all three meetings last year.

The pick: Carolina averages 3.33 GPG, while Buffalo allows 2.76. The Sabres average 2.88 GPG, while the Hurricanes allow 2.89. Note though that the Hurricanes are already a poor 1-3 (-4.2 units) this year after a win by two goals or more, while Buffalo is already 4-1 (+3.1 units) this season after allowing four goals or more. I like the more desperate home side to risk life and limb getting into shooting and passing lanes today and I expect that intensity to pay dividends for us at the window once it's all said and done.

10* COACH'S CORNER on the Buffalo Sabres.