Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings Prediction, NHL Odds
It is the second and final meeting between the two, after a 4-3 win for Detroit in December. Can Calgary play their part in hindering Detroit’s playoff hopes?
Flames vs. Red Wings NHL Betting Odds
Compared to their poor record, Calgary has actually performed quite well on the puck line, posting a 36-29 record, showing a strong effort. They come into this one with a +1.5 line at -170 odds. Detroit has also posted a winning record of 34-33, and their -1.5 line hits +145 pre-game. Detroit is available on the money line at -185, while Calgary currently sits at +155.
The game total is set at 5.5 goals, with -125 odds for the over and +105 odds for the under. Both teams have seen a fair share of both sides, with the Flames at 31-31-4 to the over, and the Red Wings at 29-32-6. With a depleted Detroit forward core and multiple lost assets in Calgary, there is far less offensive firepower in the matchup.
Three Red Wings players are at the top of the goalscoring oddsboard, with Alex DeBrincat (+130), Lucas Raymond (+190), and Patrick Kane (+220) leading the way. The Flames are then represented next with Matt Coronato (+300) and Mikael Backlund (+320), who has scored in two straight contests.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames (26-33-7) may have their sights on the future, but there are still 16 games on their docket. While they will be looking ahead to the upcoming draft lottery, they are 3-2-0 in their last five and have covered two straight puck lines. Will their efforts be enough against a hungry opponent?
While Detroit may currently be in a playoff spot, this is crunch time, where we may see the Flames’ best performance. That being the case, Calgary will have a rough challenge ahead, especially as the lowest-scoring team in the NHL (2.47 goals against per game), with the worst shooting percentage (8.6%) and second-worst power play (15.8%).
Some big-time trades this season (Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson) and a season-ending injury to Jonathan Huberdeau have left this team shallow and in the hands of an exciting but inexperienced cast. A miserable road record of 10-20-3 also sparks minimal confidence in a win.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings (36-23-8) currently hold a wildcard position, but have just a one-point lead. This is not something they will want to toy with as the season closes out, so they cannot let points go to waste. I expect a full effort in front of a home crowd to ensure they get the job done, especially against one of the NHL’s bottom-feeders.
Detroit is just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games, which is largely due to an injured lineup that will be missing Dylan Larkin, Andrew Copp, and Michael Rasmussen. However, their roster should still outmatch Calgary, a rebuilding team that has traded away a number of its top assets.
Detroit is 18-11-3 at home, showing real home-ice advantage. They have beaten Calgary once this season, which is the seventh straight win over them, dating back to February 2023.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Flames vs. Red Wings?
The Detroit Red Wings have been an excellent home team, and have owned the Calgary Flames for some time. While they are facing an injury bug, they are still equipped with a deep and talented roster that should outmatch a young and rebuilding roster playing on the road. At an important time for this franchise, I expect maximum effort from the Red Wings that will result in a 4-1 win.
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