Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames Prediction, NHL Odds
The Colorado Avalanche return to action amid high expectations after raising the Cup last season. In addition to leading the way as +397 favourites on the Stanley Cup odds, the Avalanche are perched as +179 chalk to claim this season’s Western Conference crown, well ahead of Calgary, which lags as a +683 second favourite.
After knocking off the Chicago Blackhawks by a 5-2 score in their season opener on Wednesday, Colorado has made gains on the Avalanche vs Flames odds, vaulting from their opening position at +121 to -101. The Flames have garnered the support of just 33% of sports bettors while fading to -120 chalk. The total has held steady since opening at 6.5. However, the UNDER has improved to a -120 bet despite attracting just 26% of the betting action.
Avalanche vs. Flames NHL Betting Odds
Thursday night’s matchup at Scotiabank Saddledome marks the first of three scheduled meetings this season between these Western Conference contenders. The Avalanche took two of three from the Flames last season, capped by a 2-1 win in Calgary on March 29, and have now won eight of 10 in head-to-head action, including four straight in Cowtown. Recent clashes have tended to be low scoring, with the total topping 6.0 just four times over their past 11. However, the UNDER maintains just a slim 6-4-1 edge over that stretch.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche opened their schedule in decisive fashion on Wednesday, skating to a 5-2 victory over Chicago. The Avs dominated from the get-go, outshooting Chicago by a wide 12-4 margin in the opening frame, and by a wide 35-17 margin on the evening. The duo of Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen made the most of their opportunities on the power play, with each potting a pair of goals with the extra man, while Mikko Rantanen contributed assists on all four of those goals.
The evening also marked the Colorado debut of netminder Alexandar Georgiev. Acquired in an offseason trade with New York, was steady of not overworked in his first outing as an undisputed starter, turning aside 15 of 17 shots faced. But with the Avs opening their schedule with games on consecutive nights, backup Pavel Francouz could get the call in Calgary. Colorado has produced steady results when playing the back half of back-to-back games, winning seven of 10 last season.
Calgary Flames
The Flames also open their schedule to high expectations after finishing atop the Pacific Division standings with 50 wins last season. However, before this team can shift their focus towards long-term goals, they must find a way to snap a losing streak in season-opening contests that now sits at 12 games. However, after an offseason roster shakeup, there are plenty of reasons for the Flames faithful to be optimistic.
Thursday’s contest marks the Flames debut for a trio of players that are expected to play key roles in this team’s bid to overcome their recent spate of early playoff exits. Acquired in the deal that shipped Matthew Tkachuk to Florida, sniper Jonathan Huberdeau and rearguard Mackenzie Weegar will hit the ice with lots to prove after inking lucrative contract extensions shortly after arrival in town. And Nazem Kadri is expected to fill the void left by Johnny Gaudreau’s departure to Columbus via free agency. However, once again the hopes of the Flames will largely rest on the shoulders of goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The talented Finn is coming off a career-best campaign in which he won 37 games and tallied nine shutouts. Markstrom also owns a solid track record against Colorado, going 6-3-1 in 10 all-time meetings while allowing two or fewer goals seven times.
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