The first Battle of Alberta this season on November 17 was an absolute thriller and a throwback to the days of yore when these teams were both at the top of the Campbell Conference. Well, for the first time in a long time, the Oilers and Flames are both good hockey teams at the same time, especially lately.
The Flames are 8-1-1 in their past ten games, while Edmonton has won five of six and are playing much better since the arrival of Ken Hitchcock. So much so, in fact, that the Oilers are a slight betting favorite tonight at Rogers Place.
Flames vs Oilers Betting Odds and Pick
Hitchcock Seems to Have Righted the Ship
Before the nine-goal game vs Minnesota on Friday on the strength of seven Edmonton goals, the average combined score in Edmonton’s eight games with Hitchcock as head coach was 4.5.
Hitch, who is known for a defense-first style, has had an instant impact on the Oilers play on their own side of the red line. In their past six games, the Oilers have a 1.83 GAA, and that’s a huge reason why they are 5-1 SU over that stretch.
Calgary Leads the Western Conference
Quietly over the past three weeks, the Flames have ripped through an 8-1-1 stretch and moved into first place in the Western Conference, moving past Colorado and Nashville. Like the Oilers, the defense has been stellar for Calgary Flames and they have the No. 6 scoring defense in the NHL at just 2.77 goals against per game.
After hitting a rough patch during the first few weeks of the season and temporarily losing his starting job to David Rittich, Mike Smith has been a man on a mission and has won five straight games since November 25. His goals against average during that stretch is 1.59.
My Bet for Tonight
I cannot wait to watch this game. I think it’s going to be physical, emotional and bring a playoff atmosphere. Calgary will be playing without captain Mark Giordano (suspension) and forward Mikael Backlund (concussion). Those are two big losses out of their lineup and might be enough to give Edmonton an edge.
I’m going to say Edmonton wins this game straight up, but my bet is going to be UNDER 6 goals.