The set-up: Scoring is up around the league, but I expect a lower-scoring affair in the opener between the Canucks and Leafs. Vancouver looked shaky to begin with, then went on a win streak, and now it heads back East on a two-game slide. Toronto will also be out to atone for a 4-3 OT loss to the Oilers. These are two hungry teams off losses and each has been letdown by its defensive play. The start of a new series and I expect each to buckle down on that end. It's a great "situational" play in my opinion.

The pick: If we simply went by averages, then for the most part we'd almost always take "overs" right now in the NHL, but that's not what gambling is about at all. Situations, trends, scheduling, injuries and plenty of other factors have to always also be taken into account. And that's the case here. Finally note that Toronto has in fact seen the total go "under" in ten of its last 15 after allowing four or more goals in an OT loss in its last outing. I'm banking on a hard-hitting, but ultimately lower-scoring "under" once it's all said and done.

This is a 10* TOTAL COACH'S CORNER on the UNDER Canucks/Leafs.