In this article we will formulate a Flames vs Golden Knights prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, December 20th 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 14-17-4 this year after they defeated Seattle by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Calgary trailed 2-1 after two periods, but they scored three times in the third to escape with the win. The Flames outshot Seattle by a total of 46-23, won 57.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-5 on the power play in the game. Calgary got goals from Backlund (2), Coronato, and Kadri, while Wolf stopped 21 out of 23 shots, which was a .913 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Calgary lost to the Sharks by a score of 6-3, but did beat the Kings by a score of 2-1 before that. The Flames have won five of their last seven games and they are currently sixth in the Pacific standings with 32 points. Calgary has scored 2.54 goals per game and they have allowed 2.94 goals against per game, while also going 14.0% on the power play and 82.7% on the penalty kill this season. Nazem Kadri has led Calgary with eight goals and 23 assists, while Rasmus Andersson has added seven goals and 18 assists. The projected starting goalie for Calgary is Dustin Wolf, who is 11-13-2 with a 2.92 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this year.
Vegas Golden Knights Betting Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights are 16-6-10 this season after they lost to New Jersey by a score of 2-1 in a shootout. Vegas tied the game at one late in the third period, but failed to score on a power play in overtime and lost in the shootout. The Golden Knights out shot New Jersey by a total of 37-33, won 43.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Vegas got their lone goal from Dorofeyev, while Hart stopped 32 out of 33 shots, which was a .970 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Vegas defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2 and the Flyers by a score of 3-2. The Golden Knights have won six of their last eight games and they are currently first in the Pacific standings with 42 points. Vegas has scored 3.00 goals per game and they have allowed 2.75 goals against per game, while also going 24.8% on the power play and 82.9% on the penalty kill this season. Jack Eichel is the Vegas leading scorer, but he is out, while Mitch Marner has six goals and 26 assists so far. The projected starting goalie for Vegas is Akira Schmid, who is 11-2-4 with a 2.33 goals against average and a .903 save percentage this season.
Why the Calgary Flames will win
- The Flames have won four of their last five games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Golden Knights have lost two of their last three games as favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Flames have covered the puck line in each of their last eight home games.
- The Golden Knights have failed to cover the puck line in 11 of their last 12 games.
- The home team has won the third period in nine of the last 10 games between the Golden Knights and Flames.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Flames’ last six games as underdogs following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Golden Knights’ last four games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in eight of the Golden Knights’ last nine games as favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Flames’ last six games as home underdogs.
Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Coronato has scored a goal in four of the Flames’ last five games as home underdogs.
- Nazem Kadri has recorded at least one assist in each of the Flames’ last four home games.
Vegas Golden Knights Player Prop Facts
- Tomas Hertl has scored at least one goal in four of the Golden Knights’ last five games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Jack Eichel has recorded at least one assist in each of the Golden Knights’ last eight road games.
Flames vs Golden Knights Prediction
Vegas comes into this matchup after winning six of their last eight games, but they are coming off of a loss and are dealing with some injuries. The Golden Knights are 9-2-5 on the road this year, while the Flames are 8-5-2 at home. Calgary has won five of their last seven games, but they have allowed four goals or more in three of their last five. We know Vegas is the better team, but Calgary is playing well and Eichel is out for the Golden Knights. Take Calgary at home.