The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets lock horns Saturday in Game 1 of their best-of-five NHL qualification round series at 10:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, one of two hub locations for the NHL restart. We analyze the Jets-Flames sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Jets vs. Flames: Projected starting goalies
Connor Hellebuyck vs. David Rittich
Hellebuyck might be one of the more unheralded backstops in the NHL. The Michigander posted a 31-21-5 record with a 2.57 goals against average and .922 save percentage over 56 starts and two relief appearances. In his only showing against the Flames this season, Hellebuyck picked up a 2-1 overtime win, turning aside 29 of the 30 shots he faced.
The Czech-born Rittich posted a 24-17-6 record, 2.97 GAA and .907 SV% across his 48 starts this season while turning in two shutouts. He was on the short end of that 2-1 OT game in Winnipeg back on Oct. 26, but he looked sharp with 43 saves on 45 shots.
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Jets vs. Flames: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Saturday at 8 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Flames 3, Jets 2
Moneyline (ML)
The FLAMES (-134) are expected to win here, as the favorite has connected in 10 of the previous 14 meetings in this head-to-head series. It will likely feel weird to the Flames, if they can win, as the game takes place on the ice of their heated provincial rivals, the Edmonton Oilers. One interesting thing to note here, the Jets (+110) have won the past two meetings. Neither side has won three in a row in this series since Calgary rattled off three straight wins from Dec. 23, 2015 to Nov. 12, 2016.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Flames (-134) to win returns a profit of $7.50, while a $10 wager on the Jets (+110) would result in a profit of $11.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The Flames -1 (+120) look awfully good at this price. Keep in mind, however, that four of the past six in this series have been one-goal games, so looking for a winner by two or more goals is a tall order.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 6 (-110) is worth a look. This won’t be a defensive battle like the Heritage Classic, when these teams combined for just three goals, but it will be a lower-scoring affair with two good goalies between the pipes. Plus, the Under has cashed in five of the past six in this series, and seven of the previous nine.
Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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