San Jose at Pittsburgh

This is a high total between two of the best defensive teams in the NHL. Pittsburgh is sixth in the league in goals allowed, and fifth in penalty killing, while San Jose is #10 in goals allowed. San Jose goalie Martin Jones is playing well, registering three shutouts in the last seven games. The UNDER is 9-3-1 when the Sharks face an opponent that allowed two goals or fewer in their previous game. This is a tough task for the visitors in Game 1, 2,600 miles from home and facing a powerhouse all-around Pittsburgh team that is 33-13-2 at home. The Penguins are on a 23-7 run at home, as well as 20-6 against a team with a winning record. Stars Sidney Crosby and center Evgeni Malkin form one of the most lethal 1-2 punches in the game, but the Penguins have relied on a deep and balanced roster to reach the Finals. While Crosby and Malkin each have 15 points, the team's leader is newcomer Phil Kessel, who has scored nine goals among his 18 points, plus linemate Nick Bonino has a team-high 12 assists. Pittsburgh's best line during the playoffs isn't the one centered by Crosby or Malkin but Nick Bonino, who has teamed with Kessel and Carl Hagelin to produce 17 goals and 28 assists in 18 games. And they can play defense, with rookie netminder Matt Murray at 11-4-0 in the playoffs. Both coaches will demand tough defense and the UNDER is 8-3-2 when the Penguins reach the Stanley Cup Finals. With the home team 12-4 when these teams clash, back home ice in a defensive duel. Play Pittsburgh and the UNDER.