Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames Prediction, NHL Odds
As the NHL regular season approaches its end, the Colorado Avalanche and Calgary Flames meet for a Western Conference battle. This is the third and final meeting of the season after two wins by Colorado, outscoring Calgary 12-3. Will things go differently in this one?
Avalanche vs. Flames NHL Betting Odds
While the Flames were never really close to a playoff berth this season, they stayed competitive, proven by an impressive puck line record of 45-34. They are +1.5 at -175 on the NHL odds board for this one. Meanwhile, the elite Avalanche haven’t been so dominant on the puck line, with a 40-40 record. They are -1.5 at +145 tonight.
When it comes to the game totals, low-scoring games have been the norm this season. Colorado is 31-45-4 to the over, while Calgary is 38-38-4. The total for this one is set at 6.5, with a lean towards the under (-120) as opposed to the over (+100).
Nathan MacKinnon (-110) leads the way in goalscoring odds for the game. He has just one goal in his last five games, but look to him to bury one to help solidify his Rocket Richard Trophy. Martin Necas (+160) and Brock Nelson (+165) are next for Colorado. In Calgary, goals have been at a premium. Matt Cornato (+245), Morgan Frost (+310), and Yegor Sharangovich (+310) have the shortest odds on the team.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche (53-16-11) officially claimed the Presidents’ Trophy four days ago as the top team in the NHL, and will look to use their final games as a tune-up for a potentially deep playoff run. They have looked steady at 3-0-1 in their last four, and will look to improve on this and continue to build strong habits.
Colorado is playing in their second game in as many nights, after a tough road battle against the Edmonton Oilers. This is a team built to win, but it is hard to imagine we will see anything close to the best version of the Avalanche.
The usual offensive dynamo has not been firing on all cylinders as they typically do. Over the past six games, Colorado has managed just 13 regulation goals (2.17 per game). Calgary has been a sneakily solid defensive team, so the Avalanche will have some work to do.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames (33-38-9) close out an interesting year that included a lot of new and young faces, and departures of many veteran assets. The rebuild is alive and well in Calgary, but you could imagine the organization is pleased to turn the page on this season.
Unlike most teams, Calgary gets a multi-game home stand, and will look to end the season on a high note. They are coming off a 4-1 win against the playoff-bound Utah Mammoth and will look to carry the momentum into this game.
Other than Jonathan Huberdeau (out since February 4) and Samuel Honzek (out since November 15), Calgary should have all of its pieces in play in its 40th home game of the season. I expect a hungry team to come out, as Colorado has beaten Calgary twice over the past week.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Avalanche vs. Flames?
Calgary is a young team on home ice looking to end the season on a high note. Coming off a win against a playoff team is nice, and taking down the league’s top team would go a long way in morale. Calgary has done very well on home ice this season at 22-12-5. They should have much fresher legs and higher energy in this attempt to take down a team that may not be operating at 100%. When all is said and done, I expect a 3-2 win for the Calgary Flames.
