The set-up: Tampa won Game 1 in five overtime periods by a score of 3-2. The Lightning had almost 90 shots on net and the Jackets had almost 70 shots on goal. Every person in every position is exhausted, but I think this fact will lead to more goals, not less in Game 2. I believe the goaltenders and the defensive aggressivenss will be the victims here, not the offense.

The pick: And note that Columbus has seen the total go over the number in seven of its last nine after losing in OT and scoring two or less goals in its previous game. As stated off the top, I believe each team drags its ass on the defensive end and I look for this total to fly over sooner, rather than later.

This is a 10* PLAYOFF TOTAL BEST OF THE BEST on the OVER Blue Jackets/Lightning.