Devils vs. Flames Prediction: NHL Betting Odds
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Jeremy Perry
As we move closer to the end of the regular season, we’re seeing a lot of mismatches between playoff contenders and teams that have packed it in. That’s leading to some massive moneylines like on Tuesday when the Calgary Flames are laying -400 as they host the New Jersey Devils.
Devils vs Flames Betting Analysis
New Jersey is just 8-23-1 on the road so far this season, so that’s a big reason why they’re such a big dog. They are 1-6 in their last seven games versus Western Conference opponents and also 0-7 in their last seven games played on Tuesday night. They lost the first meeting between these teams 2-1 on February 27th, which marked their first loss on this current six-game slide.
The Flames are an impressive 21-7-5 on home ice this season. Calgary has won each of its last five games versus Metropolitan division opponents and are 5-1 in their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.
New Jersey Devils
The Flames are laying a big number here but there might be an opening for the Devils. Calgary ended a four-game losing streak on Sunday night with a win over Las Vegas but had really struggled before that. The Flame scored six goals on Sunday night but had just five goals in their four previous contests.
On the other hand, the Devils don’t really have slumps like that; their entire season has gone that way. Their most recent slump, though, has seen them lose six straight. They’ve scored just seven goals in their last six and now they’re 20 points out of a playoff spot with just 13 games to go.
Is it possible they spring an upset here? Given how Calgary has played of late, it could happen. However, a safer bet might be the under as the Devils and Flames aren’t scoring much these days.
Calgary Flames
The Flames desperately need to take advantage of their schedule with games against the Devils and Rangers on home ice before a showdown with the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. Eight of Calgary’s next nine opponents are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, so now is the time to capitalize. The next couple of weeks will also be important for goaltenders Mike Smith and David Rittich as they attempt to prove they deserve to be the No. 1 goaltender for the Flames come playoff time.
While Calgary has struggled to score of late, New Jersey has struggled to score all season long. They average just 2.50 goals per game on the road (25th) and are down to just 1.20 goals per game in March (30th). Still, with such a huge moneyline, under is probably the wiser play than laying -400 on a moneyline.
