The Calgary Flames (25-26-3) play the third game of a four-game set against the Vancouver Canucks (22-28-4) in a regular-season tilt Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET at Rogers Arena. Below, we analyze the Flames-Canucks odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.
The Flames won for the third straight outings, edging the Canucks 6-5 in overtime behind former Vancouver backstop Jacob Markstrom. The Flames have won six of the first eight meetings this season against the Canucks.
The Canucks have been rather erratic in their make-up games. They were able to top the playoff-bound Edmonton Oilers in their barn, winning 4-1 on Saturday. But that’s their only win in the previous four. The Under has cashed in four of their past five.
Flames at Canucks: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Flames -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Canucks +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread/ATS: Flames -1.5 (+185) | Canucks +1.5 (-225)
- Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Flames at Canucks: Projected starting goalies
Jacob Markstrom (21-19-2, 2.67 GAA, .904 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Thatcher Demko (15-18-1, 2.87 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO)
Markstrom has won three straight starts, including back-to-back outings against his former employer, the Vancouver Canucks. He is 6-2-0 with a 2.43 GAA and .927 SV% with one of his three shutouts against the Canucks.
Demko has alternated wins and losses in each of his past six starts, winning last time out in Edmonton Saturday. He hasn’t fared well against the Flames, going just 1-3-1 with a 3.28 GAA and .878 SV% in five starts.
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Flames at Canucks: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Flames 4, Canucks 2
Money line (ML)
The FLAMES (-135) have really had the number of the Canucks (+110), especially when Markstrom is patrolling the crease against his old team. Calgary has looked very good, even though these games are rather meaningless. Vancouver, on the other hand, has appeared to be rather disinterested.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The FLAMES -1.5 (+185) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line, although go lightly. Both of these sides are headed nowhere, so you never know the interest level you’re going to get. However, with Markstrom facing the Canucks, he has made a point to work even harder than usual to show them what they’re missing for letting him walk last offseason.
Over/Under (O/U)
Total 6 (O: +100, U: -120) is rather risky, as I think the total lands exactly on the number. If there is a slight lean, I’d actually go OVER 5.5 (-130) on the alternate line. I don’t think these teams combine for anywhere near the 11 goals they posted last time, but we won’t get a goaltender duel, either.
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