This is a 10* NON-CONF TOM on the OVER Flames/Bruins.

While the majority expect another defensive battle between two teams that have played to several lower-scoring games this year, I believe that everything points to a much more wide-open and ultimately higher-scoring "shootout" in Boston on Thursday night between these non-conference opponents.

Calgary has been trading wins/losses over its last four games and off a 3-2 OT win at Montreal, it'll be hoping to snap that pattern South of the border. Calgary has seen the total go UNDER in five straight, but note that dating to last year the Flames have seen the total eclipse the posted number in three of their last four after playing to five or more straight UNDERS in a row.

Boston just had its two game win streak snapped in a 4-0 loss at Toronto. Note though that the Bruins have seen the total go OVER the number in seven of their last ten off a shutout road loss dating to last season.

With each team pushing the pace like I believe they will be, everything does indeed point to this total flying well OVER the number before the final horn blares.

Good luck, NP