This is a 10* NON-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE YEAR on the UNDER Devils/Wild.

15 years ago, these two franchises were the very definition of "defense" in the NHL.

These clubs always had great goaltending and they played a "trap" style of game, where they'd collapse and wait for the other team to make the first mistake.

But those times are over. New Jersey averages 2.90 GPG, which is right in the middle of the pack, but it allows 3.00, which is in the bottom third of the league.

Minnesota averages 3.68 GPG (fourth), while conceding 2.95 (18th).

However there's plenty of reason to believe that tonight's game will in fact resemble one their contests from 15 years ago, as I do anticipate a very tight game here between two teams in need of a victory.

Minnesota has won four straight, including three straight here at home. It's seen the total go OVER in three straight, which is significant as the Wild have seen the total go UNDER the number in 11 of their last 15 after playing to three or more straight OVERS at home.

Same thing for New Jersey. It's also seen the total go OVER in three straight. And note, the Devils have seen the total go UNDER in six of their last eight after playing to three or more straight OVERS in a row.

This one sneaks UNDER the number.

Good luck, NP