The Winter Classic is here live from Florida. These two teams played a pair of 5-3 games in their last two meetings, with each team winning one game. We think we will see some goals here in the Classic. Five of the last six game for the Panthers have gone over the posted number. They seem to either have a good offensive game or a bad defensive one lately, which has resulted in lots of overs, and we see a competitive matchup here where both teams get some goals. The Rangers have been an under team, but at 5.5 this total shouldnt be too hard to beat, and the uniqueness of this game could affect the defense and we think the offenses will rule the day.

Two straight and four of the last five meetings have gone over. We think this matchup will follow that pattern. These teams have been playing some OK defense lately but we think this matchup of bad teams will produce a game where both teams will get their share of the total. The Wizards are the second worse defensive team in the league. When these teams met here in November the Nets put up 129, and we could see a big scoring night for them tonight. Their offense has been inconsistent, but this looks like a possible breakout game for them, and they are trending to the over recently, with three of the last four games going over. The Wizards have gone under their last few games but they have been a strong over team all season, mainly because of that defense, and we are getting a low number as a result. We have some players out here for both teams but we dont think that will be a factor and we think this has the possibility to be a close game and expect both teams to contribute their share on this total.

2 Unit Play. Take #864 Rutgers over Ohio State (8p.m., Friday, January 2 Peacock) The Scarlet Knights are not very good this season, but they are playing at Jerseys Mikes Arena and I believe they can keep this game within single digits. Notre Dame and Pittsburgh are similar teams to Rutgers and Ohio State struggled to win both of those games. They beat Notre Dame by one point but lost to Pittsburgh by one point. I think they will be a low scoring game, and we will grab the points.

2 Unit Play. Take #272 SMU Mustangs over Arizona Wildcats (Holiday Bowl, 8p.m., Friday, January 2 FOX) SMU had a good season and should have had some more wins when you look at the yardage disparity. Arizona is 5-10 ATS in bowl games since 1990. The Wildcats won the Territorial Cup, and they are satisfied with beating Arizona State. Do not think they care as much about winning the Holiday Bowl.

The last time the Sharks hosted the Lightning, they won 2-1, and we just think this line is off today. San Jose is a very confident team and they are riding a three-game winning streak. They will be playing for the win today. Tampa Bay has won six straight, but they have also had the benefit or a pretty easy schedule lately, so we are not too scared to go against them. Not at this price. If the playoffs started today, San Jose would be a wild card team, and they are not getting enough respect from the oddsmakers here.

3 Unit Play. Take #346 Under in Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:30p.m., Saturday, January 3 ABC) Tampa has not been good on offense during this skid and now they must win on Saturday and still need help on Sunday to make the playoffs. The under hit earlier this year in a matchup between these two teams. Tampa Bay has played under the posted total in 2 straight games. Carolina has played under the posted total in 3 straight games. We will not worry about who wins this game and instead focus on the under.