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This is the first meeting since these teams faced each other in the playoffs last season. You may recall that series "went the distance" with the Canadiens winning Game 7, in overtime, at Buffalo. The teams will meet again, also at Montreal, on Saturday. I feel that an O/U line of 6.5 is generously high. Including Game 7, which had a 3-2 score, six of the past nine meetings finished with six or fewer goals. Entering Monday's contest versus Florida, the Sabres have only scored one goal in their past two games combined. Each of their last three games (prior to Monday) has finished with five goals or less. The Habs are off a 1-0 win over Detroit. That game was scoreless after regulation. Go with the under.

Ottawa vs New Jersey Under 6 lines up because both teams have been playing low‑event hockey, Ottawa’s defensive profile is strong, and recent meetings have leaned Under. Ottawa is allowing just 2.2 goals per game and ranks top‑5 in goals against, while New Jersey’s offense has been modest at 2.5 goals per game despite leading the league in shots. Ottawa’s games have featured tight defensive structure, and their save percentage sits at .916 with only 11 goals allowed so far. New Jersey has been inconsistent offensively, scoring two or fewer goals in three of their last four games, and their penalty kill has struggled at 63.6%. Four of the last six meetings between these teams have gone Under, and with Ottawa’s disciplined defensive play, New Jersey’s inefficient finishing despite high shot volume, and both teams trending toward lower totals early in the season, Under 6 is well supported.

Living a bit dangerously, these Golden Knights, going into OT and a shootout in their last two games to get wins. Though winning their first two on the road at Vancouver and Seattle, this challenge looks a bit more substantial tonight in St. Paul.

That's because the Wild have also started rather well at 3-1-1, and tonight give their first look in goal to Filip Gustavsson, who was their number one goalie last season with a 2.69 GAA, and had a 1.95 GAA in three starts vs. Vegas a year ago. Note Kirill "The Thrill" Kaprizov is off quickly this season with six goals already in five Minnesota games to date. Play Wild on Money Line

Basic stats ahead of tonight's game: The Golden Knights (3-1) average 4.25 goals per game (6th in the NHL) & allow 2.50 goals per game (8th in the NHL). The Wild (2-0-1) average 3.00 goals per game (14th in the NHL) & allow 1.67 goals per game (2nd in the NHL).

Pick: This will be a great game between two of the best teams in the NHL. The Golden Knights look to steal this one on the road, but the Wild are coming off a statement 4-1 win where the defense stood out. Expect the Wild to take over this game from the first period with a strong performance at home.