For the total in the NHL, the number is trending closer to six being the aggregate for the average game. Take a look at the Florida Panthers at Carolina the other night. The total in that game was 6.5 and people look at that total and were like oh that’s a lot, that’s too high. Then it’s 3-3 with five minutes to go in the third period.

It’s always the case whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, hockey, whatever, high totals are high for a reason and low totals are low for a reason. When Loyola went to the Final Four in college basketball, their totals were like 118 and people jumped on the over but the final score was like 58-50. The number is set a certain way for a reason and the number is usually very close to where it was set. A few years ago there were bookmakers saying, you know, it’s weird for us to hang sixes because ten to 20 years ago we were hanging fives, and then it got to 5.5.

The offensive talent in the league is so strong and if you get a game like Edmonton against Chicago, you’re going to see 6.5. You may not see consistent sevens, but they’re thinking about putting up totals of seven. The problem is when you’re hitting a seven, you’re getting blasted by sharp money no matter what is on the end.