*10* Western Conference TOTAL OF THE MONTH on OVER Wild/Flames.

The Calgary Flames will host the Minnesota Wild for the first of three games in this season-series Wednesday night. Only one of the last eight meetings have failed to reach the total, and I think we'll see another high-scoring encounter this time around.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Hollow Defenses - Each of Calgary's last five games have seen five goals or more and they've allowed a total of 15 goals in their last three games. The Wild had surrendered four goals or more in six consecutive games prior to a 5-2 win at Vancouver Monday.

2. Special Teams - The Wild have scored on the man advantage in six of their last seven games and must like their chances of staying effective as the Flames have surrendered three shorthanded goals in each of their last three games.

3. X-Factor - The Flames are averaging 3.00 goals per game home at the Saddledome where the over is 16-10-2 this season.

Selection: This is a play on MIN@CGY to go OVER the total (10*)