The Vancouver Canucks will cap off their mini three game home stand on Thursday night when they host the NHL’s hottest team, the Calgary Flames.
Coming off a much needed 5-2 victory against the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver will look to shut out trade noise from the media and focus on getting themselves back into a serious playoff race.
Currently with a record of 24-22-6, the Canucks sit sixth in the Pacific Division and are five points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. With 30 games remaining in the season, the time is now for Vancouver. Wins need to start piling up, but it won’t be easy on Thursday night.
Right now, the Flames are an absolute immovable force.
With a record of 30-13-6, Calgary sits first in the Pacific Division, four points ahead of the Golden Knights with two games in hand. The Flames have won ten consecutive games, not having registered a loss since January 27th.
With the acquisition of ex-Canuck Tyler Toffoli from Montreal and the team rumoured to still be very much involved in the NHL trade market, Calgary seems to be going all-in for a run at a Stanley Cup.
Led by Darryl Sutter and players like Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuck and Elias Lindholm, the Flames are not to be taken lightly.
As is the norm with many Sutter teams, Calgary plays very disciplined and system-based hockey, and have some of the best special teams in the NHL. The Flames power play ranks 11th in the league, whilst their penalty kill is good enough for third.
Expect both teams to have starters Thatcher Demko and Jacob Markstrom between the pipes in what should be a really compelling goaltending duel.
The odds for this game are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook, the official betting partner of FanSided.
Betting Odds
Moneyline
Canucks +135
Flames -155
Goal Total
Over 5.5 goals -120
Under 5.5 goals +100
Puckline
Canucks +1.5 at -185
Flames -1.5 at +152
Prediction
Calgary has to lose at some point, right?
We’ve been saying it for awhile, and it still rings true, but the Canucks are desperate. Wins are necessary at this point for any chance of a postseason berth. Given the style both Boudreau and Sutter have laid out for their teams, this game should be close and low scoring.
This contributor isn’t not going to take the risk and pick Vancouver to win the game outright, but he is confident that they keep it extremely close in a low-scoring battle.
Canucks cover the puckline and the under hits.
Pick: Canucks +1.5 at -182 & under 5.5 goals at +100
What are your thoughts on this upcoming game between the Canucks and Flames? What bets will you be placing on the game? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comment section!