The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers face off at Commonwealth Stadium in the 2023 NHL Heritage Classic. The home of the Edmonton Elks will host the latest installment of the Battle of Alberta, with the Oilers holding as favorites in the NHL odds.
Both the Flames (2-5-1) and Oilers (1-5-1) are off to rough starts. They’ve both lost four straight games entering Sunday night’s matchup.
The storyline for the Oilers is the health of superstar Connor McDavid. He practiced on Saturday after missing a few games with an upper-body injury.
Who will take home two points in the Heritage Classic? Read on for our Flames vs. Oilers NHL picks and predictions on October 29.
Flames vs Oilers odds
Flames vs Oilers predictions
The Flames started the season well with a home win against the Jets, and after earning points in two of their next three games, they’ve now dropped four straight. Their offense has gone ice-cold with just four goals in those four games.
Calgary has at least done decently defensively to limit the opposition’s goals. The Flames have allowed exactly three goals in three of their four straight losses, with the exception being a 6-2 defeat in Detroit.
Edmonton has also seen its offense dry up with and without Connor McDavid. The Oilers have scored a total of seven goals in their last four games after a six-goal outburst in Nashville.
McDavid may end up playing on Sunday, though.
“It’s feeling good, I’m making a lot of progress,” he said after practice Saturday. “It felt really good today in practice, a lot of good signs.”
Head coach Jay Woodcroft agreed.
“I thought it was a good sign that he practiced,” said Woodcroft. “We’ll see, but he looked pretty good to me.”
McDavid playing would obviously provide a big boost but the Hart Trophy odds favorite might not be 100%.
After a stretch of the Battle of Alberta being high-scoring affairs, there’s been a total of eight goals in the last two contests. That low-scoring trend should continue, especially outdoors.
My best bet: Under 6.5 (-105 at SIA)
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Flames vs Oilers same-game parlay
Under 6.5
Flames +2.5
First Period Over 1.5
We’re kicking off our parlay with the best bet of Under 6.5.
The Flames and Oilers are both coming off 3-0 shutout losses. They’re not clicking well offensively and the distractions that outdoor games bring between shadows, sightlines, and ice quality will only hamper that.
Along with the Under 6.5, we’re going to add the Flames +2.5 goals to bring us to +140. A lower-scoring game should be within two goals, and there hasn't been a blowout in the last four meetings.
After that, we’re going to add a final leg that goes against the Under 6.5 in a way. The Over 1.5 goals in the first period brings the three-leg parlay up to +425.
The Oilers have scored over half of their goals – nine of 17 – in the first period through seven games. They've also allowed eight in the opening frame. The Flames have an even goal differential, with both seven goals for and against in eight first periods.
There will be a few goals early on, but expect these rivals to play a hard-fought, low-scoring game in the great outdoors.
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Flames vs Oilers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The line movement for this game is going to be particularly interesting to watch given McDavid’s status. One skater doesn’t often move the line too much in hockey, but McDavid is one of those few cases.
As of early Sunday morning, the Oilers are -145 favorites while the Flames are +120 underdogs. That line will skyrocket if McDavid is expected to play, though.
I like the value on Calgary here as underdogs, especially if this goes higher with McDavid playing. The superstar forward likely wouldn’t rush back for this game if it wasn’t the Heritage Classic, and while he may be able to still look like himself, I’m willing to bet against that.
The total could also go up if McDavid is playing. It’s currently at 6.5 with the Over 6.5 slightly favored at -115 while the Under 6.5 sits at -105.
Under 6.5 is the play on the total with two teams that are struggling to score.
Flames vs Oilers betting trend to know
The underdog is 4-0 in the last four meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Oilers.
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Flames vs Oilers game info
| Location: | Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB |
| Date: | Sunday, October 29, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Flames vs Oilers latest injuries
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