The set-up: My NHL Playoff TOTAL OF THE YEAR was on the UNDER in this game last night and that was obviously a big time loser, with the Stars jumping out to an early lead and then holding on for the 5-4 win. The Stars have over-achieved to this point and a letdown is imminent in my opinion. Dallas got the job done in the regular season with tough defensive play and some of the best goaltending in the league. That's not been the case in the playoffs though, with its offense somehow coming to the fore.

The pick:Colorado was one of the best in the regular season on both ends of the ice. The Avs will have to risk life and limb today to avoid the series loss and as such, I finally expect a lower-scoring contest in Game 5. Additionally note that Colorado has seen the total go UNDER in seven of its last ten after allowing five or more goals in a loss in its last outing. For all the reasons listed above, I'm on the "under" in this one.

The is a 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the UNDER Stars/Avs.