Flames vs Oilers Picks and Predictions: Wildfire in the Wild West

The battle of Alberta returns on Saturday, October 16 in Edmonton for the first time since the Oilers ousted the Calgary Flames in the 2021-22 playoffs. 

Both Alberta teams got off to winning starts at home, with the Oilers beating the Canucks 5-3 and the Flames dismissing the Avs by an identical score. How they went about their business was altogether different, though. 

Find out the best betting angles with our Flames vs. Oilers NHL picks and predictions as these squads battle for provincial pride.

Flames vs Oilers best odds

Flames vs Oilers picks and predictions

The Flames also traveled to Edmonton on the first Saturday of the 2021-22 season and were beaten handsomely, losing 5-2. Connor McDavid scored a hat trick, and Leon Draisaitl notched three helpers in that lopsided victory.

The bitter rivals split the 2021-22 season series, with each team winning both at home. The Oilers outscored the Flames 10-5 at Rogers Place, while the Flames returned the favor, winning the two contests at the Scotiabank Saddledome by a 12-6 margin. 

A lot has changed since, with both teams adding key components. Jack Campbell won his first start as the Oilers’ No. 1 netminder against the Canucks, saving 33 of 36 shots for a .917 save percentage. He rebounded well after allowing three goals on the first 15 shots. 

Evander Kane notched an assist late on an unselfish setup for McDavid, who potted his hat-trick goal into an empty net. 

Flames’ newbies Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar also immediately impacted proceedings, with the former two notching an assist each and the blueliner securing two helpers. 

Although he won’t show it, Sutter will take great pleasure in beating the Avs handily without requiring multiple-point games from either of the high-profile new forward additions. 

The Alberta teams were the best two NHL teams from Feb. 1 in the previous campaign. The Flames amassed 63 points in 42 games, while the Oilers secured 57 from 41 contests. The Flames had last season’s sixth-most potent offense, scoring 3.55 goals per game, while the Oilers had the joint-seventh best attack with 3.48 goals per contest. 

They’ll want to extend that form into the 2022-23 campaign, with both teams touted to battle for the Pacific Division crown. 

Based on recent history and the explosive nature of both offenses, expect a relatively high-scoring affair with the Oilers continuing the trend of home-team supremacy.

My best bet: Oilers to win and over 4.5 goals (+115 at BetMGM)

Flames vs Oilers moneyline analysis

With an abject 1-6 record, the Flames struggled on the road to finish the 2021-22 season. They also haven’t fared well against the Pacific Division recently and are 0-4 in their last four. 

In addition, Calgary is 0-4 in recent games after one day’s rest and is 1-4 in its last five against teams with a winning record. However, Sutter’s team adores playing on Saturday and is 11-2 in its previous 13.  

The home team is 8-2 in the last 10 battle of Albert tilts, and the Flames have lost five in a row at Rogers Place. So, look for that dejecting trend to continue for the Flames. 

Flames vs Oilers Over/Under analysis

Five of the last six meetings between the Flames and Oilers resulted in the Over, including one wild west shootout last season in Calgary that saw 14 combined goals.   

Of Calgary’s previous 21 Saturday games, 16 resulted in the Over. Both teams also saw eight combined goals in their respective season openers. 

Following a win, the Oilers’ last four games dating back to last season resulted in the Over, and five of the previous six Edmonton games against Pacific Division teams also resulted in the Over. 

Flames vs Oilers betting trend to know

Seven of the last eight Flames games against Pacific Division opponents resulted in the Over. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs Oilers.

Flames vs Oilers game info

Flames vs Oilers key injuries

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