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Canucks vs. Flames: NHL Betting Odds and Prediction

  • Charlie Grant's Author profile. Charlie Grant

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The Flames surrendered four third-period goals en route to a 5-2 loss in Vancouver, but oddsmakers are confident that Calgary will earn a split of the series against a Canucks side not expected to do much this season.

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

Calgary is an overwhelming favourite here after outshooting the Canucks 35-23 in their own building but coming away with zero points. It does help the Flames that the home team has prevailed in nine of their previous 12 meetings between the teams, and that Vancouver has won just one of its past six visits to Calgary. The Canucks were also one of the worst road teams in the conference last season, finishing with just 15 wins away from British Columbia.

The total for this one sits at 6, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the over will be a popular play – at least where their most recent encounters are concerned. These teams have gone above the number in each of their past five head-to-head meetings, and are 5-17-4 O/U in their last 26 games played in Calgary. But the Canucks ended last season with a red-hot under trend, going below the number in nine of their final 10 road games.

Vancouver Canucks

Goal prevention will need to be a major area of improvement for the Canucks, who were a better-than-average over play last season (45-37 O/U) thanks primarily to a collective 3.16 goals-against average that ranks 26th out of 31 teams. Jacob Markstrom put Canucks’ fans at ease in the opener with 33 saves, continuing an encouraging trend from last season that saw him post a respectable 8-5-4 SU record when facing at least 35 shots.

Calgary Flames

While Wednesday’s win was met with joy in Vancouver, the loss created plenty of consternation in Calgary. And while it’s hard to pinpoint the most worrisome part of the loss, the Flames’ power-play struggles have to be at the top of the list. Calgary went without a goal in seven man-advantage chances, leaving some wondering if the Flames are in for another rough year on special teams (they ranked 29th in power-play success rate last season at 16 percent.)

Canucks vs. Flames Prediction

Flames 3, Canucks 2