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
- 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.
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.
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