The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames meet for Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals playoff series Wednesday at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Oilers vs. Flames Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Oilers were staring elimination in the face after a Game 5 overtime loss at home to the Los Angeles Kings but bounced back with a 4-2 road win in Game 6 and a 2-0 Game 7 shutout win thanks to G Mike Smith.
The Flames set up the Battle of Alberta showdown with an overtime victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 7 of their opening series. The entire series was a defensive showdown with 29 combined goals, of which Calgary managed 15.
Oilers at Flames odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:33 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Oilers +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Flames -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-180) | Flames -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
Oilers at Flames projected goalies
Mike Smith (4-3-0, 2.29 GAA, .938 SV%, 2 SO – postseason) vs. Jacob Markstrom (4-3-0, 1.53 GAA, .943 SV%, 1 SO – postseason)
Smith allowed a total of 8 goals on 88 shots in Games 4 and 5, both losses against the Kings. However, he saved his best for last, allowing 2 goals on 32 shots in a road win at L.A. in Game 6, and then he made all 29 saves in a Game 7 shutout.
Markstrom battled with G Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, as the series legitimately could have gone either way. Calgary was lucky to have Game 7 on home ice. He also saved his best for last, allowing just 2 goals on 28 shots in a 3-2 OT win.
[tipico]
Oilers at Flames picks and predictions
Prediction
Flames 4, Oilers 3
Money line
The FLAMES (-165) are moderate favorites in the first round of the Battle of Alberta. The home team won each of the 4 regular-season meetings, so why stop siding with the home side now? Calgary has won 4 of its last 5 home meetings against Edmonton, too.
Against the spread
The OILERS +1.5 (-180) are a little on the expensive side, but they’re the play on the road. There won’t be a lot of lopsided games in this series, and you can expect both teams to fight for every inch.
Over/Under
OVER 6.5 (+100) is the lean despite Markstrom’s amazing performance in the Dallas series. While he yielded just 11 total goals in 7 games against the Stars, he was 2-2-0 with a 3.54 GAA and .884 SV% in 4 regular-season games against the Oilers. They know him, and he’ll allow quite a bit more than the Dallas offense was able to score.
Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]