The set-up: Montreal has broken a five-game losing streak by posting back-to-back wins. First it was a come-from-behind 4-3 OT win at Washington, followed by a complete 3-0 shutdown victory at Ottawa. The Habs beat the Canucks 3-1 in Vancouver back on December 17th and I believe a similar final combined outcome is in the cards here as well. Vancouver has been all over the map with its recent performance of late, but after a 9-3 home blowout win over the Bruins, it's hard to imagine the Canucks duplicating that offensive outburst in the first game of this tough Eastern swing, which includes upcoming games at Toronto and Columbus. In my books, from a situational stand point I believe this one sets up as more of a defensive affair, than a wide-open shootout.

The pick: Additionally note that Vancouver has seen the total go under the number in eight of its last ten after scoring seven or more goals in its previous outing, while Montreal has seen the total dip under in five of its last seven home games after shutting out its opponent in a victory in its previous game. For all the reasons listed above, consider the "under" in this one.

1* FREE PLAY on the UNDER Canucks/Habs.