The high-flying Calgary Flames have reached the 60-point mark in the second-fewest number of games in franchise history and will look to continue adding to their impressive 28-13-4 SU record when they host the Florida Panthers on Friday. Sportsbooks opened the Flames as -235 home favorites with a total of 6.5.
- The total has gone OVER in the Panthers’ last eight games vs the Flames (avg. combined score: 7.75).
- The Panthers are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five games vs the Flames.
- The Flames are 5-0 SU in their last five games as favorite.
Panthers vs Flames Game Center
Flames have had the edge in this series
Calgary made it to 60 points in a 5-3 triumph over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday to win its third straight. The Flames have now earned a point in seven of their past eight games, going 6-1-1 in that span. The Flames have won four of the last five meetings with the Panthers, but the Panthers came away with a 6-3 win in the most recent meeting between the clubs last February.
The 17-17-8 Panthers need to start winning on a more consistent basis if they want to think about the playoffs, as they’re sitting 10 points out of a postseason position right now. Florida surrendered a goal to Connor McDavid with eight seconds left in regulation before going on to suffer a 4-3 shootout setback to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Florida’s power play has been nearly non-existent lately, going 1-for-13 with the man advantage in its past five contests.
Flames, Panthers going OVER totals with ease
When it comes to the total, bettors may want to pay attention to the OVER in this one. In the previous eight meetings between the Flames and Panthers, the OVER is a perfect 8-0 with an average combined score of 7.6 goals. The OVER has also paid out in four of Florida’s last five overall with an average combined score of 6.8 goals, while Calgary has eclipsed the closing total in five of its past six with an average combined score of 8.5 goals.
Rittich set to start for the Flames
David Rittich is listed as the probable starting goaltender for the Flames tonight. Rittich (16-4-3, 2.42 goals-against average, .921 save percentage) is on a four-game winning streak, allowing 13 goals on 137 shots in that span.
My pick: take the OVER
Calgary and Florida have proven to be excellent OVER wagers when they collide, and due to their recent totals streak, I’m not expecting that to change tonight. The Panthers have been one of the best OVER bets in the NHL this season, as their O/U is sitting at 24-15 entering tonight’s game. Take the OVER.
