1* free play on BUF@VAN to go Under...

The Buffalo Sabres are on a slide of epic proportions as they look to avoid a 14th consecutive regulation loss tonight. The Vancouver Canucks two straight losses pail in comparison, but one thing the two teams do have in common; they've struggled to light up the lamp of late and I think we'll see a low-scoring contest at Rogers Arena.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Not Enough Shooting - There's little wonder why the Sabres have the worst goals per game average in the league: They're not shooting enough! If you test your opponents goalie with less than 23 shots per game you better be accurate (which they're not). The Nucks have struggled to create scoring opportunities of late as well, not going over 30 shots in any of their last five contests, having two 17 shot games, one as they were shut out in Anaheim Tuesday.

2. Special Teams - The league's best penalty kill unit (Vancouver) will be up against the league's worst power play unit (Buffalo). The Nucks have not been very efficient on the man advantage in recent games either, going 2-for-28 over their last nine games.

3. X-Factor - The Nucks veteran Ryan Miller will tend the net for the hosts tonight according to the Buffalo News. He had allowed only one goal over three games before allowing three goals in two consecutive contests against the Ducks and the Lightning. He'll be in for a more quiet evening tonight as the Sabres have nowhere near the same firepower as those two top teams.

Selection: This is a play on BUF@VAN to go under the total (Free)