Montreal at New York

The NY Islanders have surged this season behind a vast improvement in defense, ranked fourth in the NHL in goals allowed, seventh in penalty killing. While strong defense has been a constant, the offense had been far more inconsistent. New York is on a 9-2-1 run UNDER the total, including 5-0-1 UNDER against the Eastern Conference. They face a powerhouse Montreal defense ranked third in goals allowed and sixth in killing penalties. Star goalie Carey Price returns, making his first appearance since sustaining a lower-body injury Oct. 29 in Edmonton. Last season's NHL MVP and Vezina Trophy winner is 7-2-0 with a .936 save percentage this season. Montreal is off a 3-2 loss last night and the UNDER is 32-14-9 when the Canadiens are playing on no days rest. Price is also 5-1-0 with a .955 mark in his last six starts against New York and the UNDER is 5-1 when they clash. Take Montreal/NY Islanders to finish UNDER the total.