The set-up: Columbus beat Buffalo 4-3 in OT back in October. 12 days ago Buffalo beat Columbus 2-1 in OT at home. For a numbers of reasons though, I believe that third and final meeting between the clubs will resemble the first meeting. Columbus only averages 2.60 GPG, while allowing 2.40, but it won't be lacking for motivation after back-to-back losses. Buffalo comes in off a 3-2 win over the Wings. The Sabres average 2.82 GPG and they allow 3.09.

The pick: Note that Columbus has seen the total go over the number in six of its last ten after scoring one goal or less in its previous contest, while Buffalo has seen the total soar over in 11 of its last 17 vs. clubs with winning records. Both teams are "hungry" for a win here and I look for that sense of overall urgency to translate into offensive production on the ice. This number is low.

8* PLAY ON THE OVER Columbus/Buffalo.