Let’s just take last week’s picks and file them under ‘F’ for ‘Forget they ever happened.’ Unfortunately, as we all learn the hard way, the internet never forgets. So I’ll have to take last Saturday’s 1-5 night squarely on the chin. The good news? Things can only go up from here, right?

To be fair, a couple of last week’s games could have gone either way, as the Golden Knights and Lightning both lost close contents. Regardless, this Saturday offers us all another chance to start banking some cash.

As per usual, a loaded board of 11 games is on tap for Saturday, and despite there being a few very tough matchups to forecast, I’m feeling good about this week’s picks. Let’s get this loot.

Good luck!

Gold

L.A. Kings @ Nashville Predators – Pick: Predators

After last week’s debacle, let’s just try and get things rolling again with what should be an easy win for the Preds on home ice. Aside from being one of the best home teams over recent years, Nashville has played well against the Kings, winning the last three games including a 5-0 shutout the last time the two clubs squared off in February.

Throw in the fact that L.A. is one of the worst road teams in the league (two wins out of their last 10 games away from Staples Center), and this a seriously favorable spot for a Predators squad that sits in first place in the Western Conference.

With that said, Nashville has dropped the last three in a row. But, all three of those games were tight one-goal affairs, including one OT loss to a tough San Jose Sharks group. So, realistically, those three contests don’t truly reflect how the team has played.

Preds get the much-needed win in this one — book it.

Silver

Florida Panthers @ New York Rangers – Pick: Over 5.5

When the Panthers and Rangers get together, it usually means one thing: a long night for goaltenders. The last six games between these two clubs have all gone over the number, producing a total of a whopping 46 goals combined.

I was off on my over call last week, but this is another one of those games that could be over the total within 25 minutes. Take a look at both team’s most-recent game, both clubs allowed seven goals-against while the total in each matchup crept into the double digits.

If you’re going to take an over on the day this is most definitely the game to sprinkle a wager on.

Bronze

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Philadelphia Flyers – Pick: Lightning

The Bolts burned me hard a week ago, but there’s no denying their skill as a true Cup contender. Fresh off a big road win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, I’m feeling another W away from home for Tampa.

I have to give props to Flyers netminder Brian Elliott, who has been pretty solid (shocker, I know) over the last six games, posting two shutouts to go along with a 4-2-0 record and .949 save percentage. Overall, however, the Flyers have dropped the last two games while scoring only one goal. However, with Elliott now out for the short-term future with injury and Flyers struggling to light the lamp with only one goal while losing the last two games, it could be a long day for backup Calvin Pickard.

With the Lightning’s offense starting to warm up and Philly shooting blanks, this looks to be a great spot for the high-scoring Bolts. Don’t be shy about throwing down on Tampa, even on the puck line at -1.5.

Side Bets

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks – Pick: Sharks

Boston Bruins @ Arizona Coyotes – Pick: Under 5.5

Edmonton Oilers @Calgary Flames – Pick: Flames

2018-19 Record

Gold: 1-1       

Silver: 1-1

Bronze: 0-2

Side Bets: 2-4

Flip Livingstone is a former NHL writer for theScore with past experience at such outlets as Postmedia, Hockey Night in Canada, and the CBC. You can follow him on Twitter @FlipLivingstone.