Well hockey fans it is finally happening, the battle of Alberta is coming to the playoffs! The Edmonton Oilers will face off against the Calgary Flames in round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs later this week and I am ecstatic about it.
Expect to see a very high paced physical game 1 in Calgary as long time rivals will look to get the upper hand for the start of round two. Puck drop and date for this game are still unknown at the moment, but expect a very energetic Saddledome for game 1. The NHL betting odds will favor the Flames at home for game 1.
Oilers at Flames Stats
Edmonton Oilers Stats
The Edmonton Oilers found themselves in loads of trouble in round one after going down to the Los Angeles Kings 3-2. The Oilers battled their way back and eventually won the series at home as they finally escaped the first round. The Oilers looked solid in round one, but they still have some areas they need to strengthen.
Their offense in the first round was led by their captain Connor Mcdavid who showcased a dominant round one. Mcdavid recorded 14 points in 7 games in round one and he also scored two goals in game 7. The Oilers offense recorded 27 goals in round one.
The Oilers biggest issues continues to be their defense. The team allowed 17 goals in round one which is not too bad, but in games 4 and 5, their defense was atrocious as they allowed a combined 9 goals against.
Edmonton needs to find consistency defensively if they are going to want to find a win in game one in Calgary. The Flames have one of the best defenses in the NHL and they are the NHL betting picks favorites in game one.
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames looked solid in round one, but a lack of offense created a major scare for the team. The Flames defeated the Dallas Stars in 7 games in round one while only scoring 15 goals. The Flames are going to need to find more offense in round two.
The team defense was phenomenal in round one as they only allowed a very low 14 goals against in 7 games. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom looked incredible as he obtained a 1.53 GAA in round one.
The Flames offense on the other hand looked very shaky. Only scoring 2 goals per game is not enough in the playoffs and I expect their stars such as Johnny Gadreau to step up massively in round 2.
The Flames are a very disciplined defensive hockey team and they are not afraid to play physical either. The Flames offense is going to be the key in round two.
Matchup information
Oilers at Flames Betting Trends
- Oilers under 2-0 in last two games
- Flames under 2-1 in last three games
- Flames 3-1 at home in playoffs
- Oilers are on a two game winning streak
Oilers at Flames Predictions
Expect an absolute electric Western Conference matchup in Calgary for round one of the battle of Alberta. If the Flames can continue to play outstanding defense while finding some offense from their top stars, I believe they will beat the Oilers with no issues.
The over/under is sitting at 6 total goals for this game. The over odds are -120 while the under odds are currently +100. Look for a high goal scoring matchup in game 1.
The NHL betting expert picks believe the over should and Flames money line should be the two picks of the night from game 1.
Conclusion
Overall, fans can expect a super tight game between two historic rivals in game one in Calgary. Both teams are coming off of a huge game 7 win in round one and I don’t see either team wanting to give up game one easily.
The NHL betting stats show the Flames have been very solid at home obtaining a 3-1 record so far this playoffs and I see that record extending to 4-1 after game 1. The Flames are overall the better team, but they do need to watch out for Connor Mcdavid.
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