*7* SURE SHOT on Dallas Stars.

The Dallas Stars are currently the best of the West, with 28 points after 18 games. They've won five of their last six games and they're looking good to pick up another win when they visit the Buffalo Sabres Monday night.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Road Warriors - The Stars have been equally good home and away this season with an identical 7-2-0 record in both situations. The Sabres meanwhile have a losing record home at First Niagara Center and they've averaged only 2.00 goals per game over their first 10 home games of the season.

2. Special Teams - Dallas has the NHL's second best conversion rate on the power play at 29.8% for the season. It has gone 3-for-8 on the man advantage in its last two games and Buffalo is giving up goals on exactly a quarter if its shordhanded situations.

3. X-Factor - The Stars' John Klingberg is the NHL's highest-scoring blueliner with four goals and 20 points to his name this season. He was involved in all three goals in the 3-2 OT win against Minnesota Saturday.

Selection: This is a play on the Dallas Stars (7*)