1* free play on SJS@LAK to go UNDER...

The Pacific Division rivals the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks will open their seven-game series in the first round of the NHL playoffs with a match-up at Staples Center Thursday night. These two teams each rank in the top 10 in the NHL in goals allowed, and I expect a defensive battle in Game 1.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. History - The Sharks finished the season riding a trend of low scoring games, especially on the road where the total went under at a rate of 7-0-1 in their last eight.

2. Goaltending - The Kings have one of the best playoff goaltenders in the game in Jonathan Quick, The Sharks picked up James Reimer from Toronto, and he's come in and really played well. Reimer had two shutouts in his last five starts of the regular season.

3. X-Factor - The Sharks have lost 12 of the last 16 meetings at Staples Center.

Selection: This is a play on the Sharks@Kings to go Under the total (Free)