*8* Total DOMINATION on OVER Sabres/Canucks.

The Vancouver Canucks will be looking to end an ugly five-game skid as they host the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Arena. The Sabres have been far from a pushover in recent weeks though, and I expect a high-scoring tilt in Vancouver tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Sabres' Improved Offense - The Sabres had picked up points in four straight games (3-0-1) prior to yesterday's 4-2 loss at Edmonton. They had scored a total of 17 goals in that span, and none of their last five games have seen fewer than five goals.

2. Buffalo's Goaltending Situation - Chad Johnson tended Buffalo's net last night which should open up for Linus Ullmark in this contest. The Swede is 0-3-2 behind a 2.85 GAA in his last five starts and gave up four goals at Detroit last Tuesday.

3. X-Factor - The over is 3-0-1 in the last four head-to-head meetings.

Selection: This is a play on BUF@VAN to go OVER the total (8*)