Ottawa at Buffalo

The Sabres were here last year. They lost in seven games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion. This year, they owned the best record (53-22-7) and have high expectations. They dispatched with the Islanders in five games and then took care of the Rangers in six. Ottawa took care of business beating both Pittsburgh and New Jersey in five games each. Their offense exploded vs. the Penguins (18 goals). It slowed vs. the Devils (15) but their defense has remained superb, allowing 2.1 goals per game in the playoffs. Despite Buffalo being at home, we like the Senators to pull off the game one upset. Buffalo has been playing great defense in the playoffs but their offense has really slowed of late. Against the Rangers, they scored two goals or less three straight times. Versus division opponents this year, they allowed an alarming 3.3 goals per game while Ottawa pounded in 3.7 per game vs. division foes. Ottawa is a team that can actually score with Buffalo. The Senators averaged 3.4 per game on the road this season on way to a 27-19 mark. Buffalo is confident but they may get a shocker tonight.