Let's get this out of the way off the jump: Last week was rough, as a 2-4 record would indicate. I'm not shook, though. It's early in the season and this past week has been solid in terms of bouncing back.

Since we last ran through my Saturday selections, my picks have gone a solid 13-4-1 (see Twitter handle below for daily posts). So it's safe to say I'm starting to feel it a little bit when it comes to hitting winners.

Now that I've officially jinxed myself for everyone to read, let's dive into today's NHL schedule, one that features 12 games and some tantalizing matchups with some of the league's hottest teams facing off. Hurricanes vs. Panthers, Bruins vs. Leafs, Rangers vs. Flames, take your pick, there really is no shortage of heavyweight showdowns for us to invest some of our hard-earned loot in.

Today's board is a tricky one. I've been up early this fine Saturday digging into the numbers behind these matchups and I won't lie, it's been tough sledding in terms of really getting behind some teams, and that's OK. Still feeling a big day on tap. Let's go.

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2021-22 Saturday Record Breakdown (Complete Record Tracked/Posted @Flips_Picks)

Gold: 2-1
Silver: 0-3
Bronze: 1-2

Side bets: 6-3

Total Saturday Record: 9-9

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Gold Pick
New York Islanders @ Winnipeg Jets – Pick: Islanders

After some careful consideration, the first pick I am feeling is the Islanders on the road against the Jets. Yes, I am aware I was singing the Jets' praises only one week ago and I am also cognizant of the fact Winnipeg has wins in six of its last seven games – but hear me out on this one.

First off, a closer look at Winnipeg's hot streak reveals wins against the Ducks (twice), the Kings, and the Blackhawks, so it's not exactly like Paul Maurice's crew is out here knocking off Cup contenders with regularity. Next factor to consider is the Jets were in action last night, and with starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck still recovering from illness, backup Eric Comrie manned the blue paint for a 5-1 victory over Chicago.

After not playing in a single NHL contest in nearly 21 months, Comrie has now started three games in eight days. He's held his own, but if Winnipeg has to go with third-string option Mikhail Berdin (zero NHL experience), I love this angle for the Isles even more.

As for the Islanders, New York owns a stellar record over the past few seasons playing in Winnipeg. A 7-1 record across their last eight matchups at Canada Life Centre and an 8-3 record overall against the Jets is more than enough for me to back an Isles squad that has the reputation of being one of the toughest to play against in the entire league.

Oh, I should also note that New York's No. 1 netminder Ilya Sorokin has been lights out over his last few starts to the tune of a 3-0-1 record, .969 save percentage, and two shutouts in four games. Islanders bang out my Gold Pick of the week.

Silver Pick
Vegas Golden Knights @ Montreal Canadiens – Pick: Canadiens

Stay with me, people, there is a method to my madness. I know this is likely another unpopular pick at first glance, but let me break this down for you really quick.

Sure, Vegas has the revenge factor on its side after getting completely dealt with in last year's Stanley Cup semi-final at the hands of these very same Habs, and their locker room should be buzzing after the acquisition of superstar Jack Eichel (even if his return to the ice is still on hold). But it cannot be ignored that the Knights continue to deal with injuries to key pieces in Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, and William Karlsson – arguably the club's three most important offensive pieces.

Even before last season's postseason domination, the Canadiens have owned the Golden Knights, as Montreal flaunts a 4-0 regular-season record against Vegas since the start of 2018. It has to be noted, the Habs have been bad. Question marks in net, injuries to key pieces, and inconsistent play at both ends of the ice have fans in La Belle Province feeling nervous only one month into the campaign.

With that said, however, opportunities to turn the page don't really get much better than a Saturday night at home against a team you love to play against. My crystal ball skills don't really extend much past a week at a time, so I can't speak to how the Habs do in the long run this season, but they get the two points tonight against the Knights. Lock that in for my Silver Pick.

Bronze Pick
New York Rangers @ Calgary Flames – Pick: Flames

If you still haven't witnessed what Connor McDavid did to the Rangers last night, stop what you're doing and watch the clip below. On repeat. Wow.

Seriously, after having its heart ripped from its chest in that fashion, I'm not even sure New York will have the ability to take the morning skate, let alone square off against one of the hottest teams and goalies in the league tonight in the Flames and Jacob Markstrom. After blowing a three-goal lead and then having McDavid dangle four defenders like that, I would suggest New York takes a night off to recover mentally.

We know that's not going to happen and the Rangers will have No. 1 goalie Igor Shesterkin back between the pipes tonight, but I still like this spot for a Calgary team that needs some respect on its name after a sizzling 6-1-3 record to start the season. The Flames have also been good against New York over recent meetings, owning a 4-1 overall record against the Blueshirts. Don't overthink this one and jump on the Flames, my Bronze play of the week.

Side Bets

Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Over/Under 5.5) – Pick: Over

Carolina Hurricanes @ Florida Panthers (Over/Under 6) – Pick: Under

New Jersey Devils @ San Jose Sharks (Over/Under 5.5) – Pick: Over

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