As someone who has followed the fastest game on ice for a long time, I do consider myself a very well versed fan.

But gambling is a different game. You have to take your heart out of any decisions and use the statistics available to you plus be up to date on injuries and trends.

Are players playing hurt, star players may be in a slump, goaltenders may be off a bit.

Plus take in account of travel. Are teams on a long road trip, first home game after that long trip are all factors when considering betting and the NHL.

Again a major factor is eliminating your heart (betting on the home team) when it comes to picking a winner. Perhaps even making a rule of DON NOT BET on your favorite team. Even if you feel the bet would be a lock, don't do it, you'll only find yourself wondering what just happened if your team goes down in defeat and it will sour you for upcoming picks.

Betting on your home team also clouds your mind. It eliminates your decision making, making it much harder to see the big picture of betting to make some money. You begin comparing other teams to yours and you also bring in the word hope into the equation.

They can do it, they will win is the motto you begin using only to find disappointment at the end. Just avoid your home team, you will thank me later.

With a clear mind by eliminating your favorite team, you can now use your knowledge on the other teams in the NHL.

Factors to keep in mind are winning streaks and losing streaks too, the longer they are the more you may want to bet on the continuing trend. Of course, those streaks are going to end at some time, but you may find yourself way ahead by the time that happens.

It is so important to realize you are not going to win every bet you place. You too will go into a slump and you should be prepared for that. So just continue on picking a team or teams and you will find yourself back in a winning way in no time.

Just like life in general there are ups and downs and eliminating major betting slumps should be a given for the bettor. Study the facts before you, if you don't like the matchup, don't bet it and move on to the next game. You may even want to take a day or two off, it will refresh your mind and get you on the right track again.