It's easy to see why the oddsmaker put out a total this high when Connor McDavid and Taylor Hall are playing. But there are key circumstances to this matchup that point to an Under.

This game is being played in Gothenberg, Sweden. It's part of the NHL Global Series. It is the season-opener for both teams.

Edmonton last played a preseason game on Wednesday - and that was in Germany. New Jersey's last preseason game was back on Monday. So these teams figure to be rusty and out of sync. I'm expecting a sloppy game without crisp passing and stickhandling. That should favor the defense.