In this article, we will formulate a Flames vs Ducks prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, April 3, at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Preview
The Anaheim Ducks (33-33-8, 51-23 ATS) spent the previous five games at home, where they beat the Bruins, Rangers, and Sharks while losing to the Hurricanes and Maple Leafs. Anaheim will now play the next two games on the road. The Ducks are 6th in the Pacific Division Standings with 74 points, 15 points behind the Blues, who are currently 8th in the Western Conference.
The Ducks average 2.72 goals per game this year (26th), while they allow 3.12 GPG (21st). Troy Terry leads the team with 51 points (19 G and 32 A). Mason McTavish contributes 48 points (20 G and 28 A), while Jackson LaCombe has 43 points (14 G and 29 A).
John Gibson (11-10-2) will likely take his place in the cage for the Ducks on Thursday against the Flames. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.72 goals per game this year with a .913 SV% and no shutouts.
Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Calgary Flames (35-27-12, 37-37 ATS) went through a four-game winning streak late in March but then lost three of the next four games. During a three-game road trip, the Flames lost to the Oilers and Hockey Club, while they beat the Avalanche. Calgary is 4th in the Pacific Division Standings with 82 points, seven points behind the Kings and Blues, who are 7th and 8th, respectively.
The Flames score 2.57 goals per game on average (31st), while they concede 2.93 GPG (16th). This season, Nazem Kadri leads the team with 58 points (30 G and 28 A). Jonathan Huberdeau has 58 points (27 G and 31 A), while MacKenzie Weegar chips in with 42 points (7 G and 35 A).
Dan Vladar (11-11-6) is expected to start for the Flames at the goal on Thursday against the Ducks. The 27-year-old is allowing 2.86 goals per game this year with a .895 SV% and two shutouts.
Why the Flames will beat the Ducks
- The Ducks have lost 10 of their last 11 road games following a shootout win.
- The Flames have won eight of their last nine home games following a road loss.
- The Ducks have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games after coming off a shootout.
- The Flames have covered the puck line in four of their last five night games following a road loss.
- The favorites have won the second period in eight of the Flames’ last nine games at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Flames’ last seven home night games following a road loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Eight of the Ducks’ last nine games after coming off a shootout have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last nine games between two teams from the Pacific Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Ducks’ last eight games following a home win.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Flames’ last eight Thursday at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Calgary Flames rank 31st in the league for goals per game this season (2.57).
- The Calgary Flames rank 26th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (75.12%).
- The Anaheim Ducks rank 31st in the league in power-play percentage this season (12.62%).
- The Anaheim Ducks rank 28th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (73.61%).
Flames vs Ducks Prediction
The Flames won eight of the previous ten H2H encounters, including the last three. Calgary was better in two meetings this season: 3-2 at Anaheim and 4-1 at home. The Flames are seven points behind a playoff spot in the West but have two games in hand, so they will be desperate for two points in this one. I am backing the hosts to secure a win and keep their playoff hopes alive.