NHL Betting - Sharks vs Flames

While one team has been able to afford not being at its best since the Olympic break, the other is in a situation where every two points is crucial in its bid to make the Western conference playoffs.

Calgary currently sits in the ninth spot in the west, one point back of the Detroit Red Wings, although they have played one more game. With just 12 games remaining on the National Hockey League’s regular nhl betting season schedule, the Flames cannot afford to leave many more points behind down the stretch.

San Jose on the other hand has already clinched a spot, but is now locked in a battle with the Chicago Blackhawks for the top spot in the conference, tied with 96 points. The Sharks will need to snap their losing streak soon if they are going to remain in a position to challenge for the west crown. 

San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames

Friday March 19th – 9:00 PM ET
Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta

Broadcast: SNET-W

: Flames -125 

The last time these teams met, the Sharks embarrassed the Flames in a 9-2 win at San Jose. That loss was part of Calgary’s nine-game losing streak in January, which dropped them from a comfortable playoff spot down to the outside looking in.

With two games remaining between these teams, both at home, the Flames will attempt to play more like they did the first time they met, a 2-1 win. 

What The Sharks Will Have To Do To Win: 

San Jose has struggled since returning from the Olympic break, with a record of 4-5-1, and more notably has lost three straight games heading in to this contest.

Luckily for the Sharks the team tied with them atop the standings, the Blackhawks, have been comparably bad and haven’t pulled away. However, their could be reason for concern for a team that sent several players to the winter games, including Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Dan Boyle, and Patick Marleau who all played up to the finals for the Gold medal-winning Canadian side.

For a team that has struggled in recent postseasons the last thing you want to be doing is playing your worst hockey entering the most important time, and the idea that fatigue has set in may be one of the biggest concerns.

The Sharks will have to skate hard and play a complete game if they are going to snap their losing streak against a playoff-hungry team that can’t afford to lose. 

What The Flames Will Have To Do To Win: 

This will be a huge night for the ninth place Flames, who may have an eye on the out of town scoreboard with eighth place Detroit facing off with the last place Oilers in Edmonton.

Whichever of the former Sharks’ starts in goal for Calgary, whether it be Miikka Kiprusoff or Vesa Toskala, they will need to be at their best to stop an offensive machine that scored nine goals the last time these teams played. 

Outlook & Pick: 

Despite that they are fighting for a playoff spot and on home ice this will be another setback for a Calgary team that once again is the second best team on the ice. San Jose is too good to lose forever and should be able to take advantage of a tight Flames bunch. 

Hockey Free Pick: San Jose +105 > > SIGN UP HERE < <