The Calgary Flames will try to avoid their fourth straight loss when they face off vs the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. The Flames have dropped six of their last eight games and opened as +160 dogs to down the Penguins, who are 12-1 SU in their last 13 games at PPG Paints Arena.
- The Flames are 1-4 SU in their last five games as an underdog.
- The Penguins are 6-1 SU in their last seven games with one day off between games.
- The Flames are 3-14-1 SU in their last 18 games on the road vs the Penguins.
The Flames have hit the skids since goaltender Mike Smith went down with a groin injury on February 11, posting a record of 3-7 SU in 10 games while allowing 3.6 goals per game in his absence. Calgary may have a winning record on the road (18-15 SU) but without Smith, its ability to surprise teams with defense and counter-attack has all but evaporated. Although the odds may be against the Flames in Pittsburgh, for what it’s worth, Calgary has won five straight vs Pittsburgh, outscoring the Pens 18-11 in those games.
Pittsburgh erased its own three-game losing streak by knocking off the Islanders 3-2 on Saturday. The Penguins sit in third in the Metropolitan Division and despite the recent hiccup are 17-7 SU in their last 24 games. Pittsburgh is dealing with its own goaltending woes as Matt Murray is sidelined indefinitely with a concussion, which has led to defensive lapses for the Penguins, who allowed 15 goals in three games with Murray out of the lineup.
The total opened at 6.5 and trends are pointing to an UNDER. The total has gone UNDER in six of the Flames’ last eight games on the road vs the Penguins while the UNDER has also hit in six of the Penguins’ last seven games vs teams with losing records.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Calgary Flames opened as +162 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at OddsShark, including Sportsbook. The total opened at 6 for those preferring OVER/UNDER betting; watch for the line updates during the day at Sportsbook.
OddsShark prediction models pick the Penguins to win this game 3.9-1.9. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Calgary Flames vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Pittsburgh Penguins currently sport a record of 37-25-4. The Calgary Flames are 32-25-9. Betting totals have seen the Penguins post a 35-29-2 OVER/UNDER record this season, while the Flames have gone 31-33-2 against the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Calgary injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at OddsShark, it's the No. 2-ranked Penguins and the No. 18-rated Flames in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Pittsburgh's No. 7-ranked offense, averaging 3.26 goals per game, against a Calgaryr defense that ranks No. 15 at 2.95 goals allowed. The Penguins power play is averaging 26.67% while the Flames defense kills off 80.09% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Calgary lost its last outing, a 3-1 result against the Rangers on March 2. Bettors who backed the Rangers at +173 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (4) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
Pittsburgh was a 3-2 Sportsbook in its last match at home against the Islanders. They won as favorites, while the total score of 5 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
- Calgary is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games
- Calgary is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
- Calgary is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
- Calgary is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
- Pittsburgh is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games
- Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Pittsburgh is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games
Next Betting Matchups
Calgary at Buffalo, Wednesday, March 7
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Wednesday, March 7
