The Calgary Flames got the best of the Colorado Avalanche earlier this month, and the red-hot Flames will look to carry their momentum back into Ball Arena tonight to steal two points as NHL betting road underdogs.
The last five games for the Avs have arguably been their worst stretch of hockey this season as they went 1-3-1 losing to teams like the Coyotes and Devils — whereas the Flames have done the opposite going 4-1 straight up in their last five.
Who will win this star-studded matchup? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Flames vs. Avalanche.
Flames vs Avalanche odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The Calgary Flames opened up as road underdogs at +135, but the line has steadily risen and now sits at +150. The total opened up at 6.0, but with the strength of both teams' offense, the line moved to 6.5.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until puck drop and be sure to check out the full NHL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Flames vs Avalanche predictions
Predictions made on 3/13/2022 at 12:43 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Flames vs Avalanche game info
• Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
• Date: Sunday, March 13, 2022
• Puck drop: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: Sportsnet
Flames vs Avalanche betting preview
Key injuries
Flames: Oliver Kylington D (Questionable).
Avalanche: Samuel Girard D (Out), Gabriel Landeskog F (Out), Bowen Byram D (Out).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.
Flames vs Avalanche head-to-head record
Flames: 2-2-0 SU, 14 goals for.
Avalanche: 2-0-2 SU, 15 goals for.
Betting trend to know
The road team is 4-1 in the last five meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Avalanche.
Flames vs Avalanche picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Moneyline analysis
The month of March has not been all that great for the Avalanche. This month they are 2-3-1 and have gotten outscored by a combined 20-17. The good news for them is they have a great amount of separation from the other teams in the Central division.
The Avs have been one of, if not the best teams in the league this season, but every team always has a rough stretch at some point. It seems like Colorado is going through exactly that.
The exact opposite could be said for the Flames as they are 5-1-1 in March, outscoring their opponents 27-16. They are starting to run away with the Pacific Division title and are earning elite status.
They have the second-highest goal differential in the league right now at +64 which just goes to show how good they have been on both ends of the ice.
Everyone knows how skilled Colorado is offensively, but what hasn’t been talked about enough is how good of a season Johnny Gaudreau is having with Calgary. Johnny Hockey is fourth in the league in points with 26 goals and 52 assists for 78 points in 58 games.
The Flames' team offense has been right up there with Colorado, averaging 3.48 goals per game (ranked sixth), while the Avs are scoring 3.85 gpg (ranked second).
As close as these teams are offensively, the Flames are clearly the better defensive team. They are only giving up 2.41 gpg, ranking them second, thanks to the play of Jacob Markstrom. He impressed in a 19-save shutout last night against the Detroit Red Wings, but it is unclear if he will get the start in this game since it is the second game of a back to back.
Their backup, Dan Vladar is also a very good goaltender as he is 8-4-1 on the season. Vladar has a .900 save percentage and -5.5 goals saved above expected. If Markstrom gets the start, that gives Calgary even more of an upper hand. Even with Vladar in between the pipes I like their chances against an Avs team that is super inconsistent as of late.
The value on the away team is too high to stay away from.
Prediction: Flames moneyline (+150)
Over/Under analysis
This game is going to be filled with offensive talent on both sides. The last time these two teams met there wasn’t a lack of scoring as they combined for 73 shots on goal and it took overtime to decide a winner, ending 4-3 Flames.
These teams are both at the top of the league when it comes to creating scoring chances. The Flames are currently averaging the second-highest shots on goal per game, averaging 35.7 while also getting 12.29 high-danger chances. The Avs are right behind them in third as they are generating 35.3 shots on goal and 11.79 high-danger chances.
This matchup will feature three of the league’s top 10 scorers. Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau for Calgary and Nazem Kadri for Colorado. The Avalanche will be missing another very important piece of their roster, captain Gabriel Landeskog. This is a big spot to fill and it will be interesting to see what adjustments they'll make without him.
This is going to be a fun, fast-paced game that should see a ton of goals. I like the Over.
Prediction: Over/Under 6.5 (+100)
Best bet
I have been watching the Flames a lot this season and I genuinely believe they might be the best team in hockey, and they are not getting talked about enough.
In their last ten games, they are 7-2-1 and none of those wins was a fluke. They play a complete, 200-foot game and have the ability to lock down any opponent, no matter how good they are.
The only concern with Calgary tonight is this will be its fifth game in seven days. It hasn't shown any signs of fatigue and when you’re playing as good as it is, you find ways to win despite being a little tired.
The Avs are coming off of a bad loss against the Devils and then followed that up with being shut out by the Hurricanes back up goalie, Antti Raanta. There is something going on with them right now that they just can’t seem to figure out on a nightly basis.
The standings might not show it but in my opinion, the Flames are the better team, and getting them at this value is absolutely astounding. I am backing the Flames tonight.
Pick: Flames moneyline (+150)
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