The Nashville Predators travel east on the second half of a back-to-back to face the Calgary Flames on Saturday evening at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and the NHL odds have the Flames as -115 favorites.
Calgary has scored four or more goals in two of the past three meetings between these two teams, and my Flames vs. Predators predictions back Calgary to do so once again.
Read on for my NHL picks for Saturday, January 4.
Flames vs Predators prediction
My Flames pick
Flames Over 3.5 total goals (+140 at BET99)
My Flames analysis
More than anything else, this play is targeting the fact that goaltender Juuse Saros will get the night off for the Nashville Predators. Since they are on the second half of a back-to-back and Saros got the start in Friday’s game, Nashville turns to backup netminder Justus Annunen.
Saros is the Preds’ best player, and he often bails out a poor blue line. This season, Nashville ranks 23rd in xGA/60.
Without Saros there to bail the Predators out, this team is likely to get lit up, which is exactly what happened the last time Annunen started in place of Saros. On New Year’s Eve, Annunen surrendered five goals on 38 shots for a .868 SV% en route to Nashville’s 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
While the Calgary Flames certainly don’t possess the strongest offense, they outrank Minnesota in xGF/60. Point being, if the Wild can put up five goals on Annunen, then so can Calgary.
It could also be a long night for Nashville’s defense considering that we could see some tired legs on the second half of a back-to-back against a rested Flames offense. The 5-3 loss to Minnesota with Annunen in net also occurred on the second half of a back-to-back.
Flames vs Predators same-game parlay (SGP)
Flames Over 3.5 total goals
Jonathan Huberdeau anytime goalscorer
Nazem Kadri Over 0.5 assists
If we are backing Calgary to score four or more goals, then there is an increased probability that Jonathan Huberdeau finds the back of the net. He’s the team’s leading goal scorer both on even-strength and on the power play.
Huberdeau enters this contest in particularly good form, scoring eight goals over his past 11 games. For further correlation, adding Nazem Kadri to record an assist increases the parlay’s return to 8/1.
Kadri skates alongside Huberdeau on the first line and has assisted on two of Huberdeau’s past three goals.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Flames vs Predators odds
Flames vs Predators live odds
Flames vs Predators opening odds
- Puck line: Calgary -105 | Nashville -115
- Moneyline: Calgary +1.5 (-250) | Nashville -1.5 (+200)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Flames vs Predators trend
Calgary has scored four or more goals in two of the past three meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Predators.
How to watch Flames vs Predators
| Location: | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB |
| Date: | Saturday, 1-4-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SNW |
Flames vs Predators latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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