Editor's note: This game was postponed until a later date due to COVID-19.
There's only one game on the NHL betting board this Monday with the Calgary Flames heading to the United Center to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Flames will try to snap a four-game losing streak and oddsmakers expect them to do just that, installing Calgary as a -130 road favorite. Here are our best free NHL betting picks and predictions for Flames vs. Blackhawks on Monday, December 13, with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Flames vs Blackhawks odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
The line opened with the Flames at -134 and the Over/Under at 5.5. Early money came in on Calgary, shifting that line to the Flames -145. When these teams previously met in November, Calgary won 5-2 as a -211 favorite.
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 Blackhawks predictions
Predictions made on 12/13/2021 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Flames vs Blackhawks game info
• Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
• Date: Monday, December 13, 2021
• Puck drop: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: Sportsnet, NBCSCH
Flames vs Blackhawks betting preview
Injuries
Flames: Tyler Pitlick C (Questionable), Brett Ritchie RW (Out).
Blackhawks: Caleb Jones D (Out), Henrik Borgstrom C (Out), Reese Johnson C (Questionable), Tyler Johnson C (Out), Jujhar Khaira LW (Out).
Find our latest NHL injury reports.
Flames vs Blackhawks head-to-head record since 2017-18
Flames: 8-2, 37 goals for.
Blackhawks: 2-8, 32 goals for.
Betting trend to know
The Blackhawks are 9-21 in their last 30 games as an underdog. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Blackhawks.
Flames vs Blackhawks picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Moneyline/Puck line analysis
Calgary is on a four-game skid, most recently losing 4-2 to the Bruins on Saturday. The Flames are still atop the Pacific Division standings with a 15-7-6 record while boasting the fifth-best goal differential in the NHL at plus-25.
Chicago is in second-last place in the Central Division with a 10-15-2 mark and is tied for fourth-worst in the league with a goal differential of minus-24. The Blackhawks are coming off a loss versus the Maple Leafs and have alternated wins and losses over their last 12 contests. That's actually a pretty impressive turnaround for a Chicago squad that began the season with nine straight defeats.
When it comes down to the numbers, the Flames are far and away the superior team. They are fifth in the league in goals for percentage at even strength while ranking third in Fenwick For percentage. On the other hand, the Blackhawks are 31st in GF% at even strength while ranking 30th in FF%. The Flames also have the better units on both the powerplay and penalty kill.
While the Flames' current form is cause for some concern, their season-long performance indicates that they're the better team. And Calgary has owned the head-to-head in recent years, with the Flames 8-2 in the last 10 meetings and 4-0 in their last four trips to Chicago. Back the Flames to snap their losing streak tonight.
Prediction: Flames moneyline (-145)
Over/Under analysis
The Flames have been solid on the offensive end of the ice but the big reason for their success this season has been their outstanding play in net. The Flames are allowing the fewest goals per 60 minutes (1.64) in 5v5 hockey and netminder Jacob Markstrom has posted a 1.94 GAA with a save percentage of .933 in 21 games.
The Blackhawks have struggled to put the puck in the net, ranking dead-last in the NHL in GF/60 (1.70) in 5v5 play. Thankfully they've been getting some fantastic performances from goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who joined the team after winning the Vezina Trophy with Vegas last season. Fleury has been playing much better after a rough four games to begin his career in Chicago. Since October 30, the three-time Stanley Cup winner has posted a sizzling 2.13 GAA with a .932 SV%.
The Under has cashed in seven of Calgary's last 10 games on the road while Chicago is 5-1 to the Under in its previous six contests at home.
Prediction: Under 5.5 (-115)
Best bet
Given the disparity between these teams, the main reason the moneyline is so close is Calgary's four-game losing streak. However, a closer look at those games reveals that it's not necessary to hit the panic button.
Losing by a goal to the Golden Knights in Vegas is certainly understandable, as is losing in overtime to the Hurricanes. While they were defeated by the Bruins in their last game, they did outshoot them 42-27 in that contest. The only defeat in that four-game span that looks bad in hindsight was a 5-3 loss to the Sharks.
That said, the Flames outshot San Jose 43-26 and mostly lost due to the poor play of backup goalie Dan Vladar, who leaked four goals on 26 shots before Tomas Hertl iced the game with an empty-netter. Markstrom should be back in net tonight and the Flames look like great value at -145.
Pick: Flames moneyline (-145)
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