There is a Western Conference tilt on tap tonight with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Calgary Flames.
In a pivotal game for the Western playoff picture, Colorado and Calgary are neck-and-neck as the Avs hold a three-point lead on tonight's opponent for the last Wild Card spot.
Will the Avalanche take care of business on home ice, or can the Flames pull off the road win? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Flames vs. Avalanche on February 25.
Flames vs Avalanche best odds
Flames vs Avalanche picks and predictions
One of the better two-way teams in the league, the Calgary Flames rank eighth in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and fifth in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.
And yet, if the playoffs started today, Calgary would miss out on the postseason. The Flames are just 4-3-3 over their last 10 games and need a win badly tonight against the Colorado Avalanche.
While the defending Cup champions are obviously not to be taken lightly, the Avs' offense has been woefully inefficient this season. At 5-on-5, Colorado ranks just 21st in the league in xGF/60.
The Avs’ blue line has been much stronger, but they still rank behind the Flames in xGA/60 at 5-on-5. Another reason to fade Colorado in this contest is that it enters this matchup on the second half of a back-to-back following Friday night’s 5-1 win over Winnipeg.
Because of the quick turnaround, backup Jonas Johansson is slated to get his first start of the season between the pipes. It has been a tumultuous career for Johansson, as the 27-year-old is just 9-13-4 with a .883 SV% and 3.41 GAA since making his NHL debut in 2020.
Not only is Johansson tasked with keeping the puck out of the net tonight, but superstar defenseman Cale Makar will be unavailable as he remains sidelined with a concussion.
Look for the more rested team to pull off the big road win in a massive tilt with playoff implications.
My best bet: Flames moneyline (+105 at BetRivers)
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Flames vs Avalanche moneyline analysis
As always with the Flames this season, the biggest concern is their goaltending. However, Calgary is expected to start goaltender Jacob Markstrom tonight, and the former All-Star has put up solid numbers against the Avs.
Despite Markstrom’s disappointing campaign thus far, the Swedish netminder boasts a strong track record against Colorado. Over his last 11 starts against the Avs, he is 7-3-1 with a .922 SV% and 2.42 GAA.
Flames vs Avalanche Over/Under analysis
With these two dominant defenses, I would lean towards the Under in this contest. At 5-on-5, both clubs rank in the Top-10 of the league in xGA/60.
While I'm confident in Markstrom tonight, Johansson’s hands are going to be full in his first start of the season. He has shown little promise through the first few years of his career and now goes against a lethal offense while his team endures the second leg of a back-to-back.
Flames vs Avalanche betting trend to know
The underdog is 9-3 straight up in the last 12 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs Avalanche.
Flames vs Avalanche game info
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date: | Saturday, February 25, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBC, Altitude |
Flames vs Avalanche key injuries
