February 27, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) reacts after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Last Week: 0-2, -2.0 Units
YTD: 6-7, +0.23 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 our first real losing week of the season. Going 0-2 was an utter disappointment, but we still manage to be above water on the year, even with a losing record. As I have preached before, it is important to look at the value you are getting with your wagers and if you are inclined to bet on a large favorite, it is always better to beat them in regulation rather than laying a lot of juice. This week I am back with three picks and looking to find my way back into the win column.

1) Pittsburgh Penguins +110 (Moneyline) at Montreal Canadiens

I might sound like a broken record, but I am not buying into the Montreal Canadiens. They are on an amazing run right now with a 7-0-2 record in their last nine games. The Penguins have lost two straight on their current three game road trip and look to end it on a winning note. Their recent struggles aside, the Penguins are the class of the Eastern Conference and when you can get them as an underdog it’s almost an automatic play.

2)  New Jersey Devils +105 (Moneyline) at Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are now 2-2 under new coach Ron Rolston after winning both of their games in sunny Florida this past week. However, this is still not a very good hockey team and not much has changed since the firing of Lindy Ruff. They host a Devils team that has been struggling of late, losing three straight and five of their last six. I don’t usually like to take a team that is struggling, but the three game losing streak is the most common in hockey. If a team is going to break a slump it is typically after that third game. The Devils are the better team and we get to take them here as an underdog.

3)  Los Angeles Kingas +120 (Moneyline) at Vancouver Canuckss

To round out my picks I am going with another road dog. The Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings are clearly over their cup hangover as they have won five straight games and seven of their last eight. They head into Vancouver to face the team they dominated in the first round of the playoffs last year. The Canucks have been good to start the season, but they have struggled of late losing two straight and five of their last seven. They are without the injured Ryan Kesler and might be without tough blue liner Kevin Bieksa. I think we get good value here with the Kings.

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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.

Follow Tony On Twitter: @TheDailyBites