Oilers vs. Flames Picks, Predictions: Can the Oil Extend Their Winning Streak?
In this season's second meeting of the Battle of Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers head to the Saddledome to avenge a 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on Oct. 15 and extend their win streak to four. Here are our picks for Saturday night’s game between the Oilers and Flames.
The Flames are off to a hot start (pun intended), with just one loss under their belt. The Oilers are 5-3-0, however they’re in the midst of a three-game win streak with an offense that's buzzing.
This Battle of Alberta is set to be another offensive explosion with no shortage of entertainment and star players on both sides.
Here are my NHL picks and predictions for the Saturday night matchup between the Oilers and Flames (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook BetMGM, and DraftKings Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 scale).
Oilers vs. Flames Info
- Date/Time: Saturday Oct. 29, 10:00 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN+, NBC Sports Washington, Bally Sports Southwest
- Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Oilers vs. Flames Odds
Oilers vs. Flames Analysis
The Flames are the moneyline favorites listed at -145 at DraftKings and BetMGM and -152 at FanDuel.
The total is set at 6.5 at all major sportsbooks. Cash has come in favor of the Flames at 83% and tickets in favor of the Oilers at 64%.
Oilers vs. Flames Picks
- Moneyline: Flames (-145 via DraftKings) ★★
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 goals (-120 via BetMGM) ★★★★
- Prop: Zach Hyman anytime scorer (+210 via FanDuel) ★★
Oilers vs. Flames ML Pick
Flames (-145) ★★
As I said, the Flames have only one loss so far and have faced some tough opponents to earn five wins. They’ve beaten the defending champions Colorado Avalanche, the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, and of course, the Oilers.
The addition of forwards Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, plus defenseman MacKenzie Weegar is already paying off big time. Kadri leads the Flames in both points and goals, with Huberdeau tied for second in points with D-man Michael Stone.
The Flames rank an NHL third in goals per game with 3.7, and fourth on the power play at 30.4%.
Of course, the Oil have no shortage of offense, either. They’re second in GPG at 3.9 and second on the power play at 34.5%. However, they're also one of the NHL's worst in penalty kills - defense is an issue for this team in general.
Still, when you’ve got a guy like Connor McDavid leading your offense, it’s a rare case where you can get away with mediocre defense because of how much he can do on the ice. McDavid already has 8 goals in 8 games, including two hat tricks. Leon Draisaitl, his right hand man, already has 11 assists. These are two offensive-centric teams.
Still, the Oilers' D has been their downfall and we saw a big offensive turnout from Edmonton just last night. They’re not always the most consistent team, and a back-to-back could really hinder that. The Flames have consistently played a full 60 minutes of good hockey against tough opponents. It’s a close one, but I’m taking the Flames' moneyline.
Oilers vs. Flames O/U Pick
Over 6.5 goals (-120) ★★★★
As mentioned, this is almost certainly going to be a high-scoring battle. A myriad of offensive stars, teams in the top three of the league in goals scored, and rather questionable goaltending.
Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom hasn’t gotten off to the start he’s wanted between the pipes, but his offense has picked him up. Markstrom was one of the league's best last year, so it’s surprising to see him get off to such an uncharacteristic start. He is 4-0-0, but his GAA is 2.50 with a .907 SV%. Not bad, but he definitely has a higher ceiling to reach.
The Oilers acquired backup netminder Jack Campbell over the summer, as goaltending has been an issue for them. So far, Campbell hasn’t looked like the answer. He’s 4-2-0, but with a 3.89 GAA and .888 SV%. In the first meeting between these two opponents, Calgary pulled Campbell from goal early.
The goaltending in this contest is yet another reason to expect a high-scoring game.
Oilers vs. Flames Prop Pick
Hyman anytime scorer (+210) ★★
Edmonton forward Zach Hyman’s been on a roll this season, scoring four goals through eight games. He's also had a lot of success against the Flames in the past, specifically, last season's playoffs. In the Western Conference semifinals last year, Hyman recorded at least one goal in all five games.
Hyman had a quiet night versus the Flames in Edmonton’s first early matchup this season, but since then his game has really picked back up.
Where to bet on Oilers vs. Flames Picks
Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:
Oilers-Flames picks from 10/28/2022 at 10:53 a.m. ET.
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