Anaheim vs Calgary Odds & NHL Winning Predictions

One of my assignments prior to the start of the NHL playoffs was to make predictions for each of the conferences. Given that the Western Conference looked to be pretty wide open, I believed that there was a real opportunity for a dark horse to emerge, and I believed that team to be the Calgary Flames. Once I saw that they were going to be paired with the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round, I almost wished that I could have retracted my statements. The Ducks are a team that the Flames just cannot seem to beat, especially on the road, and that has borne out again this season, as Calgary head home for Game 3 in a 2-0 hole in the series. Both of the opening games were incredibly evenly matched, though, so there is still a chance that my prediction could come true. If that is to happen, though, the Flames need to get a win in their own building to make this series interesting again. Find the latest NHL betting odds here.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Ducks At Flames NHL Winning Predictions

When: Monday, April 17 at 10 PM EST Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary TV: NBCSN, CBC, TVAS2, PRIME Live Stream: NHL.TV NHL Odds: Calgary Flames -1½ (+240)

Why bet on the Anaheim Ducks

It can be argued that the Ducks got a little lucky in the opening two games, and a fairer reflection on how this series has gone would be to have these teams tied at 1-1. That’s not how it went down, though, and you need to credit the Ducks for taking advantage of power play opportunities at pivotal points of both games. Much of the credit for the wins in this series needs to go to Ryan Getzlaf, as it is he who appears to be controlling everything for the Ducks when he is on the ice, including snagging the game winning goal in Game 2. The Ducks will need to stay disciplined in Game 3, as they have given up a PP goal to the Flames in each of the opening 2 games.

Why bet on the Calgary Flames

I just talked about the need for discipline for the Ducks in this game, and the same can be said for the Calgary Flames. They have taken unnecessary penalties at crucial times in Games 1 and 2, and it has come back to hurt them in a big way. They looked solid in the opening game of the series, and actually looked as though their 2-1 lead might hold up, until they sent an endless parade of players to the penalty box. It was more of the same in Game 2, but it has to be said that they look like the better of the two teams when playing 5 on 5. A win in Game 3 would get the Flames right back in it, but a loss would almost certainly mean an early exit.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

Given how tight the opening two games of the series have been, I think we can expect more of the same here. I like the Flames to get back in it with the win.