Calgary Flames (9-7-3) look to get back on their winning ways on Friday as they visit the Washington Capitals (8-10-3) in the first meeting between the two teams this season. Washington beat the Flames 5-4 in their last meeting on March 8, 2022.
Jacob Markstrom is the expected starting goaltender for the Calgary Flames. The 32-year-old Swede is 8-4-2 this season with a 3.03 goals-against average (GAA) and .889 save percentage. He finished second in Vezina Trophy voting last season but has struggled this year.
Darcy Kuemper, signed by Washington in the offseason, is the Capitals expected starting goaltender. He’s 5-9-1 with a 2.83 GAA and a .907 save percentage.
To bet on Flames vs Capitals, make sure you’re aware of the early Thanksgiving Friday start time. There are 14 NHL games on Friday’s NHL schedule, and six have early afternoon starts.
Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals
- Date and Time: November 25, 2022, 2 p.m. EST
- Venue: Capital One Arena
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- How to Watch: NBCS-DC, Sportsnet
Last Game Record
Calgary, which is fourth in the NHL standings for the Pacific Division, had won two games in a row before losing to the Penguins on Thursday. They are 4-3-3 in their last ten games after a strong start to the season.
The Washington Capitals scoring has been an issue for the team, as they’re 25th in goals per game. They scored three in a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday but have just 13 goals in their last five games. Washington is 3-6-1 in its last ten games.
Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals Betting Analysis
Calgary Betting Analysis
Calgary is three points back of the Los Angeles Kings for the third and final playoff spot in the Pacific Division but have played three fewer games.
The Calgary Flames stats include T15th in goals per game (3.17), 3rd in shots (35.8), and 21st in goals allowed (3.33). They play high-event hockey, as they’re among the top five teams in shots for and allowed.
Lindholm’s Leadership
Elias Lindholm leads the Flames in NHL player stats with 16 games. To bet on Flames vs Capitals, know that Nazem Kadri ranks second on the team in scoring with 15 points.
He’s brought much-needed scoring and physicality following the trade of Matthew Tkachuk to Florida for Jonathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau surprisingly has just nine points in 15 games this season.
Washington Betting Analysis
The Capitals have been one of the worst NHL teams this season, but they’re worth following as Alexander Ovechkin chases history in hopes of passing Wayne Gretzky to become the league’s all-time leading goalscorer.
He’s perhaps the only NHL picks player who can pass the Great One. Ovechkin has ten goals this season and is now just 104 goals behind Gretzky.
Ovechkin also leads the Capitals in NHL stats with 17 points. Dylan Strome is second with 15 points, and Evgeny Kuznetsov ranks third with 14 points.
Washington hasn’t been able to generate many offensive scoring chances, as they’re 25th in the league in shots and rank middle-of-the-pack in terms of shots allowed. They’re 6-4-1 on home ice, while the Flames are 3-3-2 on the road.
Washington’s Injury Report
To bet on Flames vs Capitals, you must know Washington has several players on the NHL injury report.
Forwards Connor Brown, Tom Wilson, Carl Hagelin, and Nicklas Backstrom are all out long-term, while defenseman Dmitry Orlov is out with a lower-body injury. Defensemen Michael Stone and Oliver Kylington are out for the Flames.
Odds Breakdown
Calgary Flames
The Flames and Capitals opened with identical NHL odds on the moneyline at -110, although this varies at sportsbooks, and the line will continue to adjust as we get closer to puck drop.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals, as mentioned, also opened at -110 on the moneyline. Neither the puckline nor totals were listed as of press time, although the totals are almost certainly going to be 6.5. Expect the over here.
Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals Pick and Prediction
The Calgary Flames stats give them a slight edge heading into Friday afternoon’s game against the Capitals.
Calgary is 5-3 on the road against the spread (ATS) this season and 4-1 overall in its last five games. The Flames will defeat Washington and even cover the -1.5 puckline if available.
NHL Pick: Flames (-110)
NHL Pick: Flames -1.5 (-110)
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.