Flames, Stars Surge into Matchup
The Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames both have a lot of momentum right now. The visiting Flames are at 48 total points after winning three of their last four.
It has been a nice turnaround for Calgary after a slow start to the season.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars are also at 48 points and have turned up the heat of late, winning five of their last six games.
These teams are well aware that every point matters in their hopes of obtaining a playoff spot. What’s the best option here in terms of NHL game betting? We’re taking a closer look at the NHL odds.
- Game: Calgary Flames (21-13-6) at Dallas Stars (23-17-2)
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- Day/Time: Tuesday, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Television: BSSW
Calgary Flames at Dallas Stars
Visitors Need Offensive Consistency
It’s become pretty clear that what makes Calgary go is defense. The Flames are ranked second in goals allowed per game, first in save percentage and first in shutouts.
The challenges have been on offense, where the team is inconsistent. Calgary scored 13 goals in back-to-back games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the St. Louis Blues.
The Flames then scored only one in both a rematch with the Blues and in their last game against the Vancouver Canucks. Johnny Gaudreau will be leaned on even more in this game.
The team’s lead point scorer with 52, Gaudreau has had a difficult time with Dallas, not recording a point in the last two matchups with them.
Defense Come Alive for Stars
Dallas may be the 20th-ranked defense in the league but the last few games have looked completely different. Throughout that span, the Stars have allowed only one goal three different times.
Jake Oettinger has been their best goalie lately, saving 52 of 54 shots in his last two starts. The same can’t be said about Braden Holtby, their most experienced goaltender.
Holtby has allowed 3.76 goals per game to his opponents in his last four starts and while he has the same .913 save percentage as Oettinger, it’s clear that the latter has been the better option lately.
Plus, Oettinger is 11-4-0 compared to Holtby’s 9-9-1. Dallas should start Oettinger and lean on his hot hand to push them through this matchup with a win.
Flames Open as Favorites
With Calgary shining at the back end and the Stars’ offense being in the middle of the pack, the Flames look like the best option if you bet online.
While their offense hasn’t been great, the name of this game will be to stay out of the penalty box. The Stars are fourth in the NHL in power-play percentage and typically struggle to score unless the special teams help out.
Dallas is a strong opponent with a lot of energy, but its defense isn’t consistent unless Oettinger is out on the ice. Take note of who is starting before making your NHL picks.
The Flames should be able to withstand Dallas’ offense and win a low-scoring game. This also makes it likely that the under cashes out in this one, as it is set at 5.5 at press time.
