In this article, we will formulate a Flames vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Friday, March 14th at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Calgary Flames are 30-23-11 this year after they lost to Vancouver in a shootout by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Calgary led 3-2 in the third period, but they allowed the tying goal with about seven minutes left and lost in the shootout. The Flames were outshot by a total of 31-23, won 55.7% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Calgary got goals from Huberdeau (2) and Kadri, while Wolf stopped 28 out of 31 shots in the game.
Prior to that tough loss, the Flames defeated the Canadiens by a score of 1-0 but lost to the Stars by a score of 3-2 before that. Calgary has lost five of their last seven games and they are currently tied for fourth in the Pacific standings with 71 points. Calgary has scored 2.56 goals per game and they have allowed 2.88 goals against per game, while also going 21.4% on the power play and 74.9% on the penalty kill this season. Nazem Kadri has led Calgary with 23 goals, 25 assists, and 218 shots on goal, while Jonathan Huberdeau has added 24 goals, 24 assists, and 121 shots on goal this year. Dustin Wolf is 22-12-5 with a 2.53 goals against average and a .915 save percentage this season.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche are 39-24-3 this season after they lost to Minnesota in a shootout by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Colorado tied the game at one late in the third period, but they couldn’t find any more goals and lost in the shootout. The Avalanche outshot Minnesota by a total of 28-23, won 53.6% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Colorado got their lone goal from Kiviranta, while Blackwood stopped 22 out of 23 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Avalanche defeated the Blackhawks by a score of 3-0 and the Maple Leafs by a score of 7-4. Colorado has won six of their last seven games and they are currently third in the Central standings with 81 points. Colorado has scored 3.32 goals per game and they have allowed 2.88 goals against per game, while also going 23.6% on the power play and 79.6% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 27 goals, 75 assists, and 268 shots on goal, while Cale Makar has added 24 goals, 51 assists, and 203 shots on goal. Mackenzie Blackwood is 18-7-3 with a 2.17 goals against average and a .919 save percentage this season. The Avs will face the Stars, Maple Leafs, Senators, Canadiens, and Red Wings following this one.
Why the Avalanche will beat the Flames
- The Avalanche have won each of their last nine games as favorites after coming off a shootout.
- The Flames have lost each of their last six games as home underdogs.
- The Flames have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last seven games at Scotiabank Saddledome.
- The Avalanche have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games against the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.
- The Avalanche have won the second period in each of their last seven games as favorites after coming off a shootout.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Flames’ last seven home games after coming off a shootout has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Avalanche’s last four road games following a shootout loss has gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the last nine Friday night games between two teams from the Western Conference have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Flames’ last eight home games against Central Division opponents.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in eight of the Avalanche’s last 12 games after coming off overtime.
Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts
- Nazem Kadri has scored a goal in each of the Flames’ last three home games against Western Conference opponents.
- Nazem Kadri has recorded at least one point in each of the Flames’ last nine games as home underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- MacKenzie Weegar has recorded at least one assist in each of the Flames’ last seven home games.
Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts
- Nathan MacKinnon has recorded at least one point in each of his last 16 appearances against the Flames.
- Cale Makar has recorded at least one assist in 13 of the Avalanche’s last 14 road games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Nathan MacKinnon has scored at least one goal in seven of the Avalanche’s last eight games as favorites against the Flames.
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Flames vs Avalanche Prediction
Colorado comes into this contest after having their winning streak snapped last time out, but they have been playing very well over the last few weeks. The Avalanche are 17-14-1 on the road this year, while the Flames are 18-10-5 at home. Calgary has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they desperately need wins to stay in the playoff chase. The Flames absolutely fell apart late in their last game against Vancouver, which makes me hesitant to trust them against a much more talented team. Take the Avs -1.5 here.