St. Louis at Pittsburgh

This is a high NHL total featuring a pair of outstanding defensive teams over the last few years. And both go with their top goaltenders on opening night. St. Louis was #12 in the NHL in goals allowed last season, on a 16-6-4 run UNDER the total, as well as 24-11-4 UNDER when playing on two or more days of rest. St. Louis does its best work at home but has to head out on the road for the opener. It doesn't help that defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is out three weeks with an ankle injury. Coach Mike Yeo is also 37-20 UNDER the total on the road in the first half of the season. Defending champion Pittsburgh is strong on defense and was tops in goals scored last year, and third on the power play. They have speed on offense and can play any style, on a sizzling 31-6-4 run at home. The Penguins look like the team to beat again with stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and a goaltender who's already won two Stanley Cups. Coach Mike Sullivan knows the value of defense, too, and the UNDER is 5-1-3 when these teams clash in this building, making this a great spot for the home team in a defensive duel. Play Pittsburgh and the UNDER.