This is a 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK on the OVER Islanders/Bruins.

The "feeling out" stage is over between these two defensive-minded clubs.

Perhaps there never was a "feeling out stage," but in my opinion, everything points to this series getting more "wide open" and I expect to see final combined scores like what we saw over the first two games.

Game 5. It's a huge one with these teams all tied up at one. Clearly, both are superb on the defensive end. The winner of this series though is going to be the one that can actually get some pucks in th enet.

I'll point out that the Bruins have seen the total go OVER the number in eight of their 12 in trying to avenge a road loss against an opponent in which they were held to one or less goals in as well.

With Boston pushing the pace, the normally defensive-minded Islanders will have to match.

I expect a faster-paced, and ultimately higher-scoring Game 5.

The play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP