Low-event hockey has become the mantra for both teams since the All-Star break. In a game of this magnitude, there's no reason to believe that changes. Both teams have been top 11 in the league since the ASG when it comes to expected goals against. We have all the meetings of a grinder Thursday in Buffalo.

We are very tempted on Buffalo here though we hesitate because the Sabres are on the wrong side of the venerable "Rule of 7" trend tonight after scoring seven vs. the Red Wings on Tuesday. Buffalo is playing well enough, winning 7 of 11, to not buck the Sabres, so we'd rather look "under" with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the nets again tonight. Luukkonen has posted a 2.34 GAA and .914 saves in March after a 2.09 GA and .926 saves in February, and now gets the Isles e off of getting blanked by the Kings. Solid work lately in goal, however, from NY goalie Ilya Sorkin (1.75 GAA and .925 saves in four March starts). Play Islanders-Sabres "Under"