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Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames Game Preview 12/2/17

Two clubs squaring off for the second time this year, the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames clash at the Scotiabank Saddledome for a divisional tilt. CBC Sports will air the matchup, which gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2.

Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames Odds

Calgary (-150) is currently favored over Edmonton (+130), and the oddsmakers have put the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-120 for the under, +100 for the over).

Calgary is 14-11 straight up (SU) and has earned 1.4 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage hasn’t moved much from what the team produced during last year’s regular season (45-37). Through 25 regular season contests, 12 of its games have gone over the total, while an additional 12 have gone under and just one has pushed. The team is 7-6 SU at home this year.

The Flames have converted on 21.2 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 30th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 75.0 percent of all penalties.

The Flames, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.1 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over their last five games at home. The team has been forced to defend opposition power plays for just 5.6 minutes per game over their last five outings, in total.

Averaging 30.0 saves per game with a .924 save percentage, Mike Smith (13-9-1) has been the best goalkeeper for the Flames this year. If Calgary decides to give him the night off, however, the team may go with Eddie Lack (1-3-3 record, .813 save percentage, 5.29 goals against average).

The Flames will continue seeking leadership from Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Gaudreau (34 points) is up to 11 goals and 23 assists and has recorded multiple points 11 times this year. Monahan has 14 goals and 12 assists to his credit and has notched a point in 16 games.

On the other side of the rink, Edmonton is 10-16 straight up (SU) and has lost 10.5 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 26 regular season contests, 13 of its games have gone under the total, while 12 have gone over and just one has pushed. The Oilers are 5-8 SU as an away team this season.

The Oilers have converted on 17.6 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 32nd overall and it’s successfully killed off 71.4 percent of all opponent power plays.

Edmonton’s players have been penalized 4.3 times per game this season, and 2.6 per game over their last five match ups. The team’s had to kill penalties just 13.8 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.

Cam Talbot (25.8 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for Edmonton. Talbot has 10 wins, 12 losses, and one overtime loss to his credit, while registering a .903 save percentage and 3.00 goals against average this year.

For the visiting Oilers, the offense will be coordinated by Connor McDavid, who’s got 20 assists and 11 goals on the year.

Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames Free Picks

Predictions: SU Winner – Flames, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Trends

The total has gone under in four of Calgary’s last five games.

Over Edmonton’s last ten games, eight of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 3-5 in those games).

Edmonton skaters have accounted for the most hits in the league (28.8 per game), but that number’s down to just 25.0 hits over their last five away games.

Written by GMS Previews

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