The Calgary Flames are on a 3-0 heater to start the year and play host to the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday, October 15.
Anthony Mantha has been a welcomed addition for Calgary and has racked up two goals, two assists, and six shots. My Blackhawks vs. Flames predictions and NHL picks expect the veteran winger to continue having an offensive presence tonight.
Blackhawks vs Flames prediction
My best bet
Anthony Mantha Over 1.5 shots (-140 at BET99)
My analysis
It’s been a sterling start for the Calgary Flames and veteran winger Anthony Mantha. The 30-year-old winger is skating in a scoring role at 5-on-5 and jumping the boards with the second power-play unit, and he’s taken advantage of the opportunity with two goals and two assists through the three games.
He’s also recorded six shots on 10 attempts while posting a solid 52.1 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 and averaging 2:07 per game in power-play time. Additionally, Mantha has also clicked with linemates Martin Pospisil and Jonathan Hubeardeau for a rock-solid 56.3 CF% while taking 64.7% of their faceoffs in the offensive zone at 5-on-5.
This is also an incredibly cushy matchup for Mantha and the Flames to pile up shots and drive possession. The Chicago Blackhawks have surrendered the third-most shots per game (33.3) and sport a 30th-ranked 41.0 CF% at 5-on-5.
The poor possession numbers are nothing new for the Hawks, either. Chicago allowed the fifth-most shots (32.7) and ranked last with a 43.7 CF% last year, after all.
Finally, I also value that Flames head coach Ryan Huska has the advantage of the last change, and I anticipate him aiming to match centers Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund against the top Blackhawks at even strength. It will open more favorable on-ice matchups for Mantha and his linemates on Tuesday.
Blackhawks vs Flames same-game parlay (SGP)
Anthony Mantha Over 1.5 shots
Connor Bedard Over 2.5 shots
Philipp Kurashev Under 0.5 points
Chicago superstar Connor Bedard racked up five shots on eight attempts against Utah to open the year, so dipping to just two shots and seven attempts the past two games is a bit surprising. He regularly traded at a 3.5-shot total last year, and he recorded 3+ in 41 of 68 games.
Turning to Blackhawks second-line center Philipp Kurashev, his offensive numbers plummet when he’s not skating with Bedard. Kurashev has been on the ice for just 1.15 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 without Bedard dating back to last season, compared to 2.2 goals when they’re jumping the boards together.
The dip with the man advantage is even worse, with Kurshav and Bedard on for 9.56 goals per 60 on the PP and Kurashev at just 1.98 without Bedard.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Blackhawks vs Flames odds
Blackhawks vs Flames live odds
Blackhawks vs Flames opening odds
- Puck line: Chicago +1.5 (-180) | Calgary -1.5 (+123)
- Moneyline: Chicago +135 | Calgary -160
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Blackhawks vs Flames moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- There's been back-and-forth action to this moneyline early, with some shops receiving buyback on Calgary following early movement to the Chicago side.
- I expect the Flames to be trading with a higher vig at BET99 by puck drop tonight.
- This total is moving toward, and BET99 has the higher vig attached to its available Over 6 (-115) and Under 6.5 (-130) offerings.
- I don’t anticipate there to be notable odds movement to the total, either.
Blackhawks vs Flames trend
Flames winger Anthony Mantha has recorded 2+ shots in two of three games to start the season. Find more NHL betting trends for Blackhawks vs. Flames.
Blackhawks vs Flames game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB |
| Date: | Tuesday, 10-15-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CHSN, Sportsnet West |
Blackhawks vs Flames latest injuries
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