Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames Pick: Expect Some Fireworks
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames Pick: Expect Some Fireworks
For the third time this season, the Edmonton Oilers play the Calgary Flames. The Oilers won both previous games in Edmonton 5-2 and 5-3. The last time these teams played each other was on January 22nd. Calgary has since gone on a hot streak, winning 15 of their last 18 games since their last game in Edmonton.
Meanwhile, the Oilers have only won two of their last seven games, despite previously winning five straight under interim coach, Jay Woodcroft. Tonight, the Flames have the home ice advantage and should seek revenge, but it’s unlikely that the win will come easy. For that reason, I’ll take the over.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames Prediction
PICK Over 6 (-125) (Bet $125 to Win $100)
Line available at BetMGM at time of writing
Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom boasts an impressive 2.17 GAA this season but struggled in both games versus the Oilers this season, giving up four goals in each. Last season, Markstrom recorded a 3.34 GAA in nine appearances versus Edmonton. Additionally, the Flames have been putting up goals behind Markstrom — 19 of his last 23 games have finished with six or more goals, despite him only having a 2.47 GAA in these 23.
On the other side, Edmonton goalie Mikko Koskinen has a less impressive 3.05 GAA. He faced Calgary once this season and allowed three goals. Last season, he made two starts versus the Flames. In one of these starts in Edmonton, Koskinen only allowed one goal. Although, when he made his start in Calgary, he allowed a whopping six goals.
Recently, both of these teams have been playing some high-scoring hockey. Five straight Calgary games have finished with at least six total goals. In their last 12 games, Calgary has scored an average of 4.5 goals per game, and Edmonton has scored an average of 3.42 goals per game. These goals are coming consistently, too -- the Flames have scored four or more goals in 11 of their last 14 games, and the Oilers have scored three or more in 10 of their last 12. Also, five straight Calgary games have finished with at least six total goals.
The total opened at 6.5, and has yet to move down. Instead, I’ll look to the alternate whole number total, over 6 (-125). I think there’s a decent chance we see a 4-2 game, so I think it’s worth the extra few cents of juice here to have the security of a push and potentially forgo the stress of relying on an empty-net goal.