Two franchises that split their season series two wins apiece a year ago, the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers face off at Rogers Place. Sportsnet West will showcase this Pacific Division matchup, and the puck drops at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 27.
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers Odds
Playing the role of underdog will be Calgary (-120), whereas Edmonton is favored offering moneyline odds of +100 and oddsmakers have put the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals (-125 to bet the over, +105 for the under).
The Oilers are 20-20 straight up (SU) and have not been kind to moneyline bettors (returning -0.3 units) thus far. That winning percentage, ranked 2nd in the Pacific Division in this young season, is a welcome improvement over the 35-47 record from the 2018-19 season campaign. Of its 40 games this season, 19 have gone over the total, while another 19 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team’s 9-10 SU at home this season.
Edmonton currently has the best power-play unit in the NHL, as the team has converted on 29.8 percent of their extra-man advantages this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 10th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 83.1 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, Edmonton has been called for penalties 3.5 times per game overall this season, and 2.6 per game over its last five at home. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays for just 7.5 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, overall.
Averaging 28.1 saves per game with a .917 save percentage, Mikko Koskinen (13-11-2) has been the principal option in goal for the Oilers this year. If the Oilers choose to rest him, however, the team might turn to Mike Smith (7-12-12 record, .893 save percentage, 3.14 goals against average).
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will each spearhead the attack for the Oilers. McDavid (62 points) has tallied 21 goals and 41 assists and has recorded multiple points 18 times this year. Draisaitl has 22 goals and 39 assists to his credit and has notched a point in 32 contests.
Calgary has lost 3.8 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 19-20 straight up (SU). Through 39 regular season outings, 22 of its games have gone under the total, while 14 have gone over and just three have pushed. Calgary’s 9-12 SU as the road team this season.
Calgary has converted on 19.7 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked fourth overall and it’s successfully killed off 84.8 percent of all penalties.
Calgary’s skaters have been penalized 3.9 times per game in total this season, and 2.2 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s had to kill penalties just 8.9 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
David Rittich (29.2 saves per game) has been the main choice in goal for Calgary. Rittich owns a 16-13-5 record, and has registered a .915 save percentage and 2.71 goals against average this year.
Matthew Tkachuk (14 goals, 18 assists) and Sean Monahan (11 goals, 19 assists) are the top offensive options for Calgary and will lead the attack for the visiting Flames.
Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers Betting Picks
Pick: SU Winner – Flames, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Edmonton is 2-1 in games decided by shootout. Calgary is 3-0 in shootouts.
The total has gone under in three of Calgary’s last five games.
Four of Edmonton’s last ten games have been decided by two or more goals. The team is 0-4 overall in those games.
Calgary skaters recorded 16.3 hits per game last season, while the Oilers posted 26.7 hits per matchup.
