A couple of teams that split their head-to-head series (two wins apiece) a year ago, the Anaheim Ducks and the Calgary Flames take the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Sportsnet West will showcase this divisional matchup, which gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 29.
Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames Odds
Anaheim (+220) is currently the underdog to Calgary (-260), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at an even 6 goals. The odds for betting the total sit at -120 under, +100 over.
The Flames are 47-30 straight-up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 6.5 units this year. That winning percentage, the NHL’s second-best so far in the early season, is a welcomed improvement compared to how the team performed during last year’s regular season (37-45). Through 77 regular season contests, 38 of its games have gone over the total, while 35 have gone under and just four have pushed. The team’s 25-14 SU at home this season.
Calgary has converted on 19.9 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 21st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 79.5 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, Calgary has been called for penalties 3.7 times per game overall this season, 3.8 per game over its last five games total, and 4.0 per game over its last five home outings. The team has had to defend opponent power plays for just 7.8 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, overall.
Averaging 24.8 saves per game with a .911 save percentage, David Rittich (27-16-5) has been the primary option in goal for the Flames this year. If the Flames decide to give him the evening off, however, the team may turn to Mike Smith (22-17-17 record, .899 save percentage, 2.75 goals against average).
The Flames will continue seeking leadership via Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm. Gaudreau (93 points) is up to 35 goals and 58 assists and has recorded multiple points in 25 different games this year. Lindholm has 27 goals and 50 assists to his credit and has recorded a point in 49 contests.
On the other bench, Anaheim is 32-46 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.1 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 45 of its contests have gone under the total, while 29 have gone over and just four have pushed. As the visiting team, Anaheim is 15-24 SU.
Anaheim has converted on 17.4 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 25th overall and it’s successfully killed off 79.0 percent of all penalties.
Anaheim’s players have been penalized 3.8 times per game in total this season, and 4.7 per game over their past ten match ups. The team’s been forced to kill penalties 8.6 minutes per game over their last five outings.
John Gibson (2.89 goals against average and .915 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Anaheim. Gibson is averaging 28.8 saves per game and has 25 wins, 31 losses, and eight overtime losses to his credit.
Ryan Getzlaf (13 goals, 34 assists) has been one of the top offensive playmakers for the visiting Ducks.
Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames Betting Predictions
Free NHL Tip: SU Winner – Flames, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Anaheim is 3-3 in games decided by a shootout this season while Calgary is 0-4 in shootouts.
- The under has hit in each of Calgary’s last five games.
- Anaheim has managed 30.0 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Calgary has been attempting 35.4 shots per game over its last five at home.
- Eight of Calgary’s last ten contests have been decided by two or more goals. The club is 6-2 overall in those games.
- Anaheim skaters have accounted for the league’s 12th-most hits per game (23.4).
