The Dallas Stars and the Calgary Flames tangle again in Game 4 of the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals Sunday at 2 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. We analyze the Stars-Flames NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Stars vs. Flames: Projected starting goalies
Anton Khudobin vs. Cam Talbot
Khudobin was back in the crease and he was solid, stopping 21 of 23 shots in the Game 3 loss. The problem was not his goaltending, but rather a lack of offensive support. The Stars averaged 2.6 goals per game offensively, ranking 26th in the NHL, and they’re second in the league allowing just 2.5 goals per game. If the low-scoring ways continue, it’s not good for their long-term outlook.
Talbot had a 4-1 record during the qualifying round and first round of the playoffs before a 5-4 loss in Game 2. There was some thought that perhaps the Flames might turn to G David Rittich, but bench boss Geoff Ward stuck with Talbot and it paid off tremendously. Talbot posted his second shutout since the restart, and he is now 5-2 with a 1.87 goals against average and .937 save percentage with two shutouts in seven starts since the restart. Ward saw something in Talbot during training camp that caught his eye, and now he is looking very smart for going with Talbot over the All-Star Rittich.
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Stars 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 7:05 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Flames 3, Stars 1
Moneyline (ML)
The FLAMES (+105) have surprised with a 2-1 series lead, and that’s mostly because they’ve been able to muster some offense, whereas the Stars (-125) continue to struggle generating high-danger chances. It also helps that Talbot has stood on his head more often than not. Matthew Tkachuk was shaken up in Game 2 and unable to play, but the Flames persevered without their spark plug and irritant. This Flames have made themselves right at home on their rivals’ ice in Edmonton, and they’ll push past Dallas again in Game 4.
New to sports betting? A winning $10 bet on the Flames returns a profit of $10.50, while a winning $10 play on the Stars fetches a return of $8.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The FLAMES (-1.5, +280) are a huge value on an alternative puck line, as you can nearly triple your initial stake with a win of two or more goals. Four of their past five wins for the Flames have been by two or more, so toss a little lettuce on the puck line for Calgary and triple up.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 5 (+105) is a risky play. I rarely, if ever, bet Under on a flat five, but Dallas’ offense has been so anemic, Talbot has surprised and Calgary’s offense isn’t exactly lighting the world afire, either. TAKE THE UNDER, but go lightly.
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