Tip: Calgary Flames need to win, but can they?

Flames are coming off two important victories against the San Jose Sharks and most notably against the Los Angeles Kings, where Walker Duehr became the somewhat unlikely game-winning hero. With seven rounds left to play, Calgary Flames are two points behind the Winnipeg Jets, who hold the last Wild Card spot. The teams will also soon face each other, and for Flames to truly give themselves a chance to snatch the last playoff spot, they need to continue winning these types of matches.

Nashville Predators are only one point behind and with two fewer games played. Although they have a significantly tougher schedule, they showed they haven't given up with a big win against the Bruins, keeping them in the race. Which just shows how important a match like this against Vancouver is for Calgary. That being said, facing the Canucks led by Elias Pettersson is no easy task. Vancouver have looked hot since the start of March, and with ten wins and four losses, they are a team in good form.

Calgary Flames continue to struggle with goal-scoring

Calgary has shown character lately, and despite an offense that hasn't produced enough, they have managed to win games. Vancouver has long had to rely on Thatcher Demko standing on his head as the defense has been a direct weakness in the team. With players like Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Quinn Hughes, one wouldn't expect a defensive hockey style, but the team's inability to defend has been evident this season as well.

Calgary's struggles to score goals have been a recurring discussion throughout the season. The team may not be expected to produce like Boston or Edmonton, but based on the opportunities they have created, more pucks should have gone in. With an xGF of 258 (naturalstattrick), only 235 actual goals have been produced. Flames' xGF% has consistently been one of the league's best, but the expected goal production from players like Jonathan Huberdeau has not been delivered. Overall, it may sound like I'm not positive about the Calgary Flames, perhaps because they have been one of the season's most costly teams. But fundamentally, this is a team with incredible quality and great depth and seemingly on an upward trend. I'll continue to give the Flames a chance as long as they have a decent shot at the playoffs. Motivation is unlikely to be lacking.

Conclusion and prediction

Considering Flames' position, I prefer to lean towards a moneyline bet instead of them winning in regulation time. There are many scenarios where I imagine Calgary will try to protect any leads, and I also don't rule out the precarious situation in the standings making them somewhat cautious. A tight and even match is to be expected. Vancouver has been playing well lately, however, I do believe that Calgary Flames are the side to be on in this match, and I will play Calgary Flames ML at odds of -119 (1.84) at Unibet!