The Calgary Flames are set to play host to the Winnipeg Jets in a battle between two of the best teams in the NHL thus far.
The Flames have surprised and impressed many with their 5-1-1 start while their counterpart, the Jets, are the only undefeated team remaining.
Despite Winnipeg’s ability to limit opposing offenses, my Flames vs. Jets predictions see one of Calgary’s top weapons doing some damage in this game.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for Saturday, October 26.
Flames vs Jets prediction
My Flames pick
Andrei Kuzmenko Over 0.5 points (-140 at BET99)
My Flames analysis
Andrei Kuzmenko continues to be a priority target on home ice. He has recorded at least one point in seven of his last 10 games in Calgary, over which time he piled up 13 points.
He is skating on the top offensive line alongside Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil. They have posted good metrics together, generating 3.63 expected goals per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play.
Although the trio has not spent much time as a unit this season, last year’s data suggests it’s no fluke they’ve been so dangerous offensively in the early going.
They played 135 minutes last season and their numbers over that sample were just as potent. They helped create 3.74 expected goals per 60 minutes, which was the best rate to come from any of the Calgary Flames' 11 most used line combinations.
The Winnipeg Jets are off to a terrific 7-0 start but things are not as squeaky clean as they appear. The Jets rank 24th in expected goals allowed at 5-on-5 yet sixth in goals against.
Even given the caliber of goaltending they have, they’re not going to continue winning every night – and giving up so few goals – when opponents are getting their share of chances.
Kuzmenko and his linemates should be able to cause some problems for the Jets at even-strength. Kuzmenko also skates on the No. 1 power play unit, where he’s the focal point. He leads the Flames in power play time on ice and is tied for first on the team in points.
The Jets sit 23rd in expected goals against on the PK, so they’re susceptible to giving up opportunities there as well.
If Kuzmenko can help create chances at 5-on-5 and on the power play, I like the odds of one of them ending up in the back of the net.
Flames vs Jets same-game parlay (SGP)
Andrei Kuzmenko Over 0.5 points
Nazem Kadri Over 0.5 points
Martin Pospisil Over 1.5 shots
We’re going full correlation mode and backing the Kuzmenko line to have a good night at the office.
Kadri plays with Kuzmenko at 5-on-5 and on the power play, and the success of one is heavily intertwined to the other. Kadri has points in 14 of his last 20 games in Calgary and has piled up 24 in that span. The Flames put his line in consistently good situations to produce.
Pospisil ranks third on the Flames in shot attempts per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play. He’s a willing shooter who causes havoc around the net. I like him to take advantage of the boost in ice time playing alongside two of Calgary’s top forwards.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Flames vs Jets odds
Flames vs Jets live odds
Flames vs Jets opening odds
- Puck line: Winnipeg -1.5 (+181) | Calgary +1.5 (-208)
- Moneyline: Winnipeg -139 | Calgary +123
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-108) | Under 6 (-106)
Flames vs Jets trend
Martin Pospisil has cleared 1.5 shots in seven of his past 10 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Jets.
How to watch Flames vs Jets
| Location: | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-26-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN West |
Flames vs Jets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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