Canucks Looking To Cool Calgary Flames
Some big games are taking place around the NHL on Saturday night, including a matchup of Pacific Division rivals in Calgary. The Flames face the Vancouver Canucks, and the visitors are trying to make one final push to the postseason.
Vancouver has lost two straight, but it still has an outside chance at the playoffs. The Canucks have 87 points, and will likely need to win out to have a realistic chance.
Calgary continues to lead the Pacific Division as they have 106 points. The Flames have gone 3-2 in their last five games and continue to rack up the wins.
The NHL betting lines at BetUS Sportsbook have the Calgary Flames as moneyline betting favorites at -235.
Let’s check the latest NHL lines, stats, injury reports, and NHL odds for Canucks vs Flames. We’ve plenty of NHL picks and predictions.
Penalty Kill Killing the Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are holding opponents to just 2.8 goals per game, but they have really struggled on the penalty kill. Vancouver has killed off just 74% of its penalties, and that could create some serious issues in this game.
Goaltender Thatcher Demko will need to step up and lead his team on Saturday, but he is capable. Demko has gone 33-21-7 while stopping 92% of shots faced.
Center J.T. Miller leads the Canucks with 63 assists and 93 total points, and Vancouver will have to score goals to keep this game close. Vancouver is scoring right around three goals per game, but they haven’t always been consistent on that end.
No Slowing Flames
After winning the Pacific Division title earlier this week, head coach Daryl Suter said, “They’ve been the most consistent team in the division. They deserve to win the division.” That consistency can be seen most on the offensive end, as the Flames are scoring 3.55 goals per game.
Matthew Tkachuk recorded his 40th goal earlier this week, and he gives the Flames one of the best goal-scorers in the league. Johnny Gaudreau sets the tone with 71 assists, and this team just has so many offensive weapons.
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom has become a top goaltender in the league, and he has posted nine shutouts. There are simply no weaknesses on this Flames team as they just continue to rack up wins.
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames Head-to-Head
This is the fourth and final meeting between the Pacific Division rivals, and all of the games have taken place since the end of January. Calgary currently holds a 2-1 lead in the season series, but one win was a 1-0 shootout win.
The Vancouver Canucks picked up a 7-1 win earlier this year, and that could give them confidence heading into this matchup.
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames Game Information
- Game: Vancouver Canucks (38-29-11) at Calgary Flames (48-20-10)
- Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
- Day/Time: Saturday, April 23, 10:05 p.m. ET
- Live Stream: NHL TV
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames Betting Lines
Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames Prediction
NHL betting online has been heating up over the past few weeks as teams continue to make a push to the postseason. Vancouver comes into this game in total desperation, and that can always have an impact on an NHL game.
The Canucks are a good enough offensive team to pull off this upset in Calgary, but they are also a team that is going to give up some goals. The Flames have been able to score on everyone all season long, and that offense is clicking on all cylinders.
There won’t be much separation in this game, but the outcome will be as expected. Take the Calgary Flames -235 as a desperate effort from the visiting Vancouver Canucks comes up just a bit short.
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