Flames vs Stars Odds, Picks, and Predictions Today: Oettinger Shuts the Door

The Dallas Stars are coming off their toughest loss of the season against the New York Rangers. They were winning 1-0, but the Rangers tied the game with less than a second left before eventually winning the game in overtime. 

The Calgary Flames haven’t had the best season thus far, but they are currently sitting in a Wild Card spot. They’ve been very mediocre; not a top offensive or defensive team, but they’re hanging around. 

This will be the first meeting between these two teams since their incredible seven-game series in last year’s playoffs, this should make for a great game. 

Find out the best betting angles with our NHL free picks for Stars vs. Flames on Saturday, January 14.

Flames vs Stars best odds

Flames vs Stars picks and predictions

The X-factor in this game in my mind is going to be Jake Oettinger, who has been absolutely outstanding this season, entering this game with a 19-6-4 record along with a .924 save percentage and 2.28 goals against average. He also has a fifth-best +15.3 goals saved above expected. 

The goaltending for Calgary hasn’t been anywhere near as good as Dallas. Jacob Markstrom has been the No. 1 guy, but his numbers aren’t what you want to see out of the guy minding the goal. He comes into this game with a 13-10-5 record to go with his .893 save percentage and 2.84 GAA. He has also lost his last two starts.

Simply put, the Stars are the much better team right now, but it really comes down to goaltending for me in this matchup. Oettinger is 6-1-1 in his last eight starts and he is making a very strong case to be in the Vezina conversation. He has also been outstanding on home ice, skating to a 11-3-2 record at American Airlines Center. I think he will lead his team to a victory at home today. I like the Stars straight up. 

My best bet: Stars moneyline (-120 at BetMGM)

Flames vs Stars moneyline analysis

Not only do the Stars have better goaltending, but they also have much better special teams, as well as overall offense. Dallas is one of the better offensive teams in the league, thanks to the play of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski, and Jamie Benn. As a team, they’re averaging 3.40 goals per game, ranking them the eighth-best offense in the NHL, but their power play is really what sets them apart. 

The Stars power play has scored on six of their last 17 attempts and they are converting at a 27.9% this season, making them the fourth-highest scoring man-advantage unit. Calgary’s power play unit has been quite the opposite, skating to a 19.3% and ranked 24th. 

Like I said before, it all comes back to Oettinger. He’s been outstanding all season, but even stronger as of late. I don’t see the Flames getting many pucks past him today. 

Flames vs Stars Over/Under analysis

Even if Markstrom hasn’t been up to par, Oettinger should keep this game relatively low-scoring. I think this will be a one-sided scoring affair in favor of Dallas, but it hasn’t been piling the net as much lately. The Stars have only scored nine goals in their last five games, so I wouldn’t say the offense is necessarily buzzing right now. 

The Over/Under is set at 5.5, which seems very low, but the Under is 4-1 in the Stars’ last five games against the Western Conference. 

The Flames might not have the best goaltending right now, but they are skating to a 2.82 xGA/60, the Stars are at a 2.99 xGA/60. 

There shouldn’t be many goals in this game, I know the Under is low, but I trust the goaltenders more than the skaters. 

Flames vs Stars betting trend to know

The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs Stars.

Flames vs Stars game info

Flames vs Stars key injuries

Pages related to this topic