Under normal circumstances, I might look Over the total. But not here in this Game 1.

Tampa Bay has been idle for a week since eliminating New Jersey. There was either a 6 or 6 1/2 total for each of those series games, but the Lightning beat the Devils by identical, 3-1, scores in the final two games of their first-round series to advance to this level.

Boston could be in letdown mode after getting past the pesky Maple Leafs in seven games during its first-round series.

These teams are well acquainted with each other. They met twice during the final 12 games of the regular season. The Over hasn't won during the last five get togethers between Boston and Tampa Bay.

I liked what I saw of Andrei Vasilevskiy against the Devils. He finished that series with a .941 save percentage. The Lightning's penalty kill unit also looked good killing off 16 of 19 New Jersey power play attempts.

I see the Bruins coming out in defensive mode and the Lightning starting slow as they get the rust off. Note an early day time start, which is a plus for the Under.