The Calgary Flames (15-12-4) and Colorado Avalanche (19-8-2) lock horns at Pepsi Center at 9 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Flames-Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.
Flames at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies
David Rittich vs. Philipp Grubauer
Rittich is 13-7-4 with a 2.69 goals against average and .914 save percentage with a pair of shutouts so far this season, but he is 0-2-0 with a 3.57 GAA and .877 SV% in two outings against the Avs.
The goaltending situation is much less certain for the Avalanche. Grubauer left his last start due to a hamstring injury, so he is expected to attempt to test his ailment in the morning skate before his status is known. If he cannot go it would be Pavel Francouz in the crease, with Adam Werner likely to be summoned from the minors to serve as his understudy.
If it is Francouz who is tabbed for the start, he has yet to face the Flames, but he is 7-2-0 with a 2.24 GAA and .931 save percentage overall. Grubauer is 2-0-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .921 save percentage vs. Calgary this season.
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Flames at Avalanche: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Avalanche 3, Flames 2
Moneyline (ML)
The AVALANCHE (-162) are a risky play in this one based on the uncertainty of their goaltender. If Grubauer makes it through the morning skate unscathed, a small-unit wager on the Avs is warranted. Check Twitter and your favorite news sites for more information. The Flames are 0-6 in the past six meetings in this series, and 1-4 in the past five trips to Denver, too, so keep that in mind.
New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered for the Avalanche to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $0.62 if they do so.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Head-to-head meetings between the Flames and Avs are usually nip and tuck, and I don’t like either side of the puck line. I could see this one easily decided in overtime or a shootout.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 5.5 (+125) is 39-18 in Calgary’s last 57 games on the road. The Under is 3-1-1 in Colorado’s past five as a favorite, too.
Every $1 wagered for five or fewer combined goals to be scored would profit $1.25 if the Under hits.
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