Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks Prediction, NHL Odds
The NHL has returned with a bang and delivers a huge 12-game slate to sink our teeth into on Thursday. Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks hit the ice for a major Pacific Division battle. Calgary continues to analyze their roster to prepare for any upcoming sales, while San Jose continues to try and make a surprising playoff appearance.
Flames vs. Sharks NHL Betting Odds
The home team in San Jose is also the favourite in this game, with odds of -125 on the moneyline and +190 on the -1.5 puckline. The underdog Flames hold narrow +100 underdog odds, and are available at +1.5 at -230 odds. The game total is set at 6.5 on the NHL odds with the under at -125 and over at +100.
Both teams have impressed on the puckline, as the Flames have gone 31-24, while San Jose is 35-20. As for the game totals, Calgary is 27-24-5 to the over with San Jose at 22-30-4.
Macklin Celebrini (+140) and Will Smith (+190) lead the scoring odds for San Jose, while Nazem Kadri (+225) and Matt Coronato (+225) lead the way for Calgary. The 19-year-old Celebrini is coming off an elite performance in his first Olympics, leading the entire tournament with five goals. Look for him to keep this momentum going against an iffy Flames defence.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames (23-27-8) continue what has been a disappointing season. The trade deadline is March 6, and I expect them to be quite active in selling off assets and looking to the future. For now, it is hard to expect much from this team, especially with Calgary holding a miserable 8-17-2 road record.
The Flames only sent one player (Martin Pospisil) to the Olympics, so the team should be quite fresh. However, earlier in the month, it was announced veteran forward Jonathan Huberdeau will be out for the rest of the season due to hip surgery. The Flames already have a shallow roster, with a lack of firepower. This lack of talent will be an issue for them in this game and games to come, as it has been all season.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks (27-24-4) come into this one sixth in the Pacific Division, but are just 10 points from the division lead. The Olympic break could not have come sooner, as they were 0-3-1 in their last four, giving up 17 goals. It is time to turn the page, and this is a great opportunity for them.
San Jose had four players attend the Olympics, including Macklin Celebrini, who absolutely tore up the tournament. His five goals led the tournament, and 10 points was second behind Canada teammate Connor McDavid. This should spark a major level of confidence in the young stud, and can help him lead his healthy Sharks team into a solid run going forward.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Flames vs. Sharks?
San Jose comes into this one on home ice, where they have been solid at 14-9-3. They have far more to play for than a selling Flames team, so they should come into this one with plenty of determination to earn a much-needed two points, led by a plethora of young stars. A recent loss to Calgary should help keep San Jose focused as they earn a 5-3 victory.
CAL
SJ