The Calgary Flames (32-14-7) enter the gauntlet to face the Colorado Avalanche (40-11-4) Saturday at Ball Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Flames vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

This figures to be one of the best games of the day. Calgary is 8-1-1 in its last 10 games and boasts the second-best defense in the NHL (2.5 goals allowed per game). The Avs feature the second-best offense in the league (3.9 goals per game) and are 7-3-0 in their last 10. Both teams figure to roll with their starting goalies. Something has to give in this battle of division leaders.

• Money line: Flames +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Avalanche -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Flames +1.5 (-205) | Avalanche -1.5 (+155)
• Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Flames at Avalanche projected goalies

Jacob Markstrom (25-11-6, 2.17 GAA, .925 SV%, 8 SO) vs. Darcy Kuemper (27-6-2, 2.47 GAA, .919 SV%, 3 SO)

The league leader in shutouts will want to have a short memory as Markstrom was pedestrian in a 5-4 overtime loss to Montreal Thursday. He stopped 30 of the 35 shots he faced.

Markstrom hadn’t allowed more than 3 goals in any of his 12 previous starts. He’ll be looking to rebound in this game, and he must be a brick wall in order for the Flames to have a chance.

Kuemper has been susceptible to giving up some action lately as he has allowed 13 goals across his last four starts. The team is so good around him, though, one has to wonder if he has taken the foot off the gas a bit. He’ll need a full tank in this one as Calgary’s defense is legit.