The set-up: After a 4-1 loss at home to Edmonton, their second straight setback, the Panthers won't be lacking for motivation here as they try to get things back on track. The Sharks enter off two straight wins, including a 2-0 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. Overall Florida averages 3.41 GPG and it allows 3.36, while San Jose averages 2.59 GPG, while allowing 3.24. Both teams have not yet thrown in the towel on the post-season and I believe this extreme sense of competition between these non-conference foes will help in pushing this total over the number once it's all said and done.

The pick: Note as well that Florida has seen the total go over the number in seven of its last eight vs. the Western Conference, while SJ has seen the total go over in ten of 14 this season after a win by two goals or more. I'm expecting a wide-open affair and I expect this total to fly over the number sooner, rather than later.

10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the OVER Panthers/Sharks.