10* UNDER Sabres/Devils (EAST-CONF TOY)

Both teams have played to several higher-scoring games to open the season, but we say those trends come to an end here in what we anticipate will be a very defensive and ultimately lower-scoring affair once it's all said and done. New Jersey isn 3-2-0-1 overall, while Buffalo is 3-4. The Devils have seen the total go "over" the number in every game they've played so far this season, including in their most recent 6-4 home loss to Washington as a -225 favorite. Note though that New Jersey has seen the total go "under" the number in eight of its last 12 off an upset home loss as a -200 or greater favorite in its previous outing. Buffalo got back in the win column with a 6-4 road victory at Ottawa. If we simply looked at offensive and defensive numbers for these teams, then 90% of the public would just add it up and be on the "over" in this one, and that's what the bookmakers are now counting on. But the overall situation, combined with the trends tell the real story. This number is high, the play is the "under!"

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