Ben Burns

THE PLAY: Total Under 6.5 (+100)

After the first games were high-scoring, the last game of this series finally stayed below the total. We're still working with a high O/U number of 6.5. I feel that it'll likely prove to be too high. The last game of the Oilers/Kings series shows that there can be a night and day difference from one game to the next. That series had also been high-scoring. The first three games averaged a whopping nine goals. Yet, Game 4 finished with a final score of 1-0. The Jets saw the first four games of last year's playoff series against Vegas finish above the total. However, when faced with elimination in Game 5, the score (4-was lower and stayed below the total. Colorado's two elimination games last playoffs had scores of 2-1 and 4-1. Don't be surprised when this one also proves relatively low-scoring.

THE PLAY: Dallas Stars -115

Off a critical Game 3 victory, the Stars now know that they can beat the Knights. Prior to that, Dallas had lost six straight to Vegas. Saturday's game went to Overtime. However, the Knights were arguably fortunate to even get there, as Dallas was the better team from the opening whistle. Vegas' Brayden McNabb acknowledged as much: “They took it to us. We had no business being in that game. L.T. (Thompson) stood on his head and allowed us a chance.” The Stars have been strong on the road all season. They're now 9-4 their last 13, when trailing in a series. I expect them to again play with desperation and for that to lead to another road win. 

Ben Burns is 6-1 YTD with his NHL playoff totals. His #1 NHL Total OF The Week goes today.