TheSpread.com

This Week's Best NHL Bets
By Covers.com

Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

For the week of Feb. 17-23.

Hot team

Chicago Blackhawks (3-0 SU)

Chicago improved to 14-0-3 after posting a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Friday, setting the record for most games without a regulation loss to start a season. The lowly Blue Jackets visit the United Center Sunday, and then Edmonton rolls into the Windy City on Monday.

Cold team

Buffalo Sabres (0-4 SU)

Not even a coaching change could spark this team. The axe dropped on long-time coach Lindy Ruff because of the Sabres’ poor start and now interim head coach Ron Rolston has the daunting task of cleaning up the mess. Buffalo travels to the Sunshine State this week for clashes with the Lightning and Panthers.

Best over play

Philadelphia Flyers (4-0 over/under)

The Flyers are back on track after a slow start, posting wins in three of their last four games. Philadelphia has found the back of the net 20 times during that stretch and Scott Hartnell has returned from injury to provide an added offensive punch. The Flyers continue their five-game homestand Monday when the Maple Leafs visit Wells Fargo Center.

Best under play

San Jose Sharks (0-3 over/under)

After opening the season with seven straight wins, the Sharks have dropped nine of their last 10 games. San Jose has scored an average of 1.2 goals per game during the losing skid, resulting in its stellar 4-12-1 O/U mark. San Jose returns to the Shark Tank for three contests with the Avalanche, Red Wings and Predators this week.

Surveying the schedule:

The Edmonton Oilers begin a daunting nine-game road trip Monday in Chicago. The Oilers will play those nine contests over 17 days and have been an excellent under play away from Rexall Place (1-6 O/U).

The New York Islanders begin a seven-game homestand Sunday when they host the Hurricanes, but that isn't necessarily a good thing for New York. The Isles have a horrendous 2-6 SU record at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.