This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the OVER Sabres/Rangers.

It's all hands on deck for Buffalo, which has barely been able to find the back of the net over the last month.

If we went only by a team's offensive and defensive numbers when making our decisions though, and not taking into account, trends, injuries, scheduling and other motivating factors on a game to game basis as well, then in my opinion, that's a sure way to lose your money pretty quickly.

Gambling on sports is not just about adding up offensive and defensive averages and then making your prediction. It's a good place to start of course.

My point is, clearly Buffalo is desperate to break out of this putrid goal drought and I expect that to finally happen here.

Buffalo last beat the Devils 4-1 back in mid February.

New York is coming off a quality 3-1 win over the Capitals and it could care less about the Sabres issues.

The Rangers' goaltending has been keeping them in games, as the unit allows just 2.60 GPG. These numbers are unsustainable over hte long-term though in my opinion and regression is imminent at some point.

Four of their last five together have fallen UNDER the number, but I expect these lop-sided "under" numbers to start going the other way.

Finally note that New York has in fact seen the total go OVER in seven of its last nine after holding its previous opponent to one or less goals in a two goals or greater victory.

Look for this one to blast well OVER before the final horn sounds.

Good luck, NP