Flames vs. Sharks Prediction: NHL Betting Odds
It’s a classic four point game in the Pacific division, as the two teams collide. The Flames are inches away from clinching the division and conference title and an outright win would basically do just that.
Flames vs Sharks Betting Analysis
The Sharks have taken two of three games from the Flames this season including a game back on November 11 in San Jose (3-1). That game also marked the only time these two teams have gone under the number in the past five games.
The Flames have had all sorts of problems with the Sharks in the last two years. They are 1-7 overall in their last eight games, and 0-5 in their last five games being the visitor in San Jose.
However, they may be catching the Sharks at a good time, considering San Jose’s problems both on the win-loss category and scoresheet. The Sharks have scored just 18 goals in their last seven games, while allowing 31 goals against.
Calgary Flames
The Flames are coming off a 6-1 thrashing of the Ducks on Friday. Sean Monahan scored a pair of goals in the win; he now has 33 on the season.
Earlier in the week, Head Coach Bill Peters switched up the lines placing Monahan between James Neal and Austin Czarnik. Time will tell as to how long this will remain, but the Flames offensive attack has been very good all season. They are currently tied for third in the league, averaging 3.53 goals per game. The Flames have 11 players with 10 or more goals this season.
The Flames are 7-3 in their last 10 games, and have a six point lead over the Sharks in the Pacific division as they start a three-game California road trip in San Jose Sunday before returning home to cap of the year against the Oilers. A win here would cement first place in the division and meet the second Wildcard team in the first round of the post season.
Of note, on Saturday Flames captain Mark Giordano was named a finalist for the Masterton trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. He has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in the past 10 games.
San Jose Sharks
This will be the second game of back to backs for the Sharks, who hosted the Golden Knights on Saturday night. The Sharks ended up winning that game 4-3 in overtime. They have officially clinched no worse than second place in the Pacific division.
This was a big game for the Sharks, after knocking off the Jets in Winnipeg back on March 12 (5-4) this team went into the tank, losing seven straight games before Saturday’s win. In those losses, five of their opponents will not be seeing the post season.
That is one concern, but the other concern is the health of Erik Karlsson. Karlsson is still out with a groin injury and hasn’t seen action since February 26. The team is holding out hope that he could be ready for the post season. Also, Joe Pavelski has been sidelined since March 17. The Sharks hope to have their Captain in the line-up before the end of the regular season.
CAL
SJ