Mar 21, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Steve Ott (9) scores the winning goal against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) during the shoot out at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Leafs 5-4 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs were once again victims of the shootout, but it should have never reached that point. Toronto had a 3-1 lead over the Buffalo Sabres midway through the second period and were not able to close the door. The Sabres scored three unanswered goals forcing the Leafs to level the score in the third just to earn a single point.

James Reimer again made several crucial stops in the shootout before giving up a goal to Steve Ott that gave Buffalo the lead. Clarke MacArthur couldn’t equalize giving the Sabres a 5-4 victory. Toronto now drops to 1-11-1 in their last 13 games in Buffalo. The Leafs have now lost five of six contests and must regroup quickly to get ready to host the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

Here are a few things that stood out from the game.

Jake Gardiner making a difference

Gardiner had an excellent game picking up an assist and finishing as a plus-3. Even without the numbers he makes a big impact on the Leaf blueline. His skating ability alone is something Toronto has been lacking in recent weeks, as they have given up several goals by not being able to match the opposition’s speed. Gardiner also has the ability to make strong stretch and outlet passes from inside his own zone to start the rush.

Colton Orr’s foolishness

Ryan Hamilton had been called up to replace Joffrey Lupul because of his suspension, but he did not play. Instead head coach Randy Carlyle opted to dress both Orr and Frazer McLaren, and it nearly cost the Leafs. Just after the two minute mark Orr received an instigating and cross checking penalty, which left the Leafs shorthanded for four minutes. Fortunately for Toronto, Buffalo couldn’t capitalize. Fighting is one thing, but getting caught up in Patrick Kaleta’s antics and putting your team in a hole is another.

Nazem Kadri was the Leafs best player

There aren’t too many nights anymore when Kadri isn’t the team’s best player. Once again he had a three-point game with two goals and an assist. Kadri also finished as a plus-3 and his second goal tied the game to get Toronto to the overtime. That’s now eight points in his last three games and Kadri is now up to 33 points in 31 contests on the year.

The dreaded shootout

Whatever the reason, the Leafs just always seem to struggle in shootouts. They have lost six of their last seven, including three in a row. Clarke MacArthur was a peculiar choice to take such an important shot tonight because he has never scored a shootout goal in his career, but in the sixth round I suppose the Leafs were running out of options. Those are vital points that are slipping away and could easily cost the team a playoff spot.

Feb. 19, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman (6) celebrates after scoring a goal on Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: 1-1, +0.20 Units
YTD: 6-5, +2.23 Units

For those who are new to the site, this is a weekly sports betting column where I will post my best bets from the NHL every Saturday morning for the games that day. All odds that I quote are from Bet365.

Last week was a little disappointing as we split our two picks, but still made a small profit. Unfortunately the Flyers could not take advantage of a Carey Price-less Canadiens team. This week I have two more picks for you. #fadeorfollow

1) Buffalo Sabres +140 (Regulation) vs. NY Islanders

The Buffalo Sabres are playing their second game after the firing of head coach Lindy Ruff when they take on the Islanders Saturday. Their first game was not very impressive, but given that Ruff has been the Sabres coach for over 15 years and that he was the only NHL coach that many of these players have ever known, their uninspired effort in Toronto was not surprising. The Sabres are getting a short price here at home against another poor team. If the Sabres are ever going to play their best game, it will be Saturday in their first contest at home with their new coach. Take the Sabres in regulation.

2)  New York Rangers +120 (Moneyline) at Montreal Canadiens

I might be a fool, but I have to think that the Rangers are going to get things turned around here. I also believe that the Canadiens are playing well above their talent level. Put those two things together and we get some good value with the underachieving team. The Rangers have lost two straight including being beat by the Canadiens at Madison Square Garden earlier in the week. Good teams avoid long losing streaks and I think the Rangers are a good team. Take the plus money on the moneyline.

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