Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. This NHL Predictions article looks at the all-Alberta matchup live from Rogers Place between the Edmonton Oilers versus the Calgary Flames.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames
Time: 6:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
TV: NHLN; Sportsnet, TVAS
The first installment of this year’s Battle of Alberta is set to take place in Edmonton. On paper, this matchup shouldn’t be that close. The Oilers are heading into the season as Stanley Cup contenders, while the Flames are in the middle of a rebuild. However, going off of each teams’ performances you think they were the opposite. Edmonton got blown out by the Winnipeg Jets 6-0 at home, and then downed 5-2 by to the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, the Flames stormed back from an early 4-1 deficit to beat the Vancouver Canucks on the road. Then, last night they beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3.
Both teams will head into this matchup on the second half of a back-to-back. Let’s dive into the predictions for this edition of the Battle of Alberta.
The Oilers Story
Edmonton is heading into the season as Stanley Cup favourites according to Vegas. They have two of the best players in the world, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With the offensive emergence of Evan Bouchard, Edmonton should have a lethal power play again this season. Last season Stuart Skinner emerged as a legitimate number one goaltender and helped lead Edmonton to the Stanley Cup Final. Off-season additions of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson help to give the Oilers more depth behind McDavid and Draisaitl. Despite their couple of games, Edmonton will be able to score goals this season. The question facing this year’s team, is can the defence and goaltending do enough to get them back to the Stanley Cup Final?
The Oilers have elected to start backup Calvin Pickard against Chicago on Saturday night. This means start Stuart Skinner is the likely starter against the Flames.
The Flames Story
The Flames have spent the last 18 months moving out veteran players for draft picks and prospects, committing to their rebuild. With no elite forwards, the Flames will need to rely on balanced scoring to get the job done. They will be looking for players like Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil to continue to improve and develop at the NHL level while hoping prospects like Samuel Honzek and Matthew Coronato can make the jump to be NHL contributors.
The Flames post an unproven defence with only two legitimate top-four defencemen, Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar, and an unproven goalie tandem in rookie Dustin Wolf and career backup, Dan Vladar. With the youth movement in full effect, the Flames may be in for some rough nights. However, if they can commit to bringing a full effort, they may be able to surprise some teams, just like they did on night one in Vancouver.
Dustin Wolf is getting his first start of the season in the Flames home opener against Philadelphia. Therefore, this means Dan Vladar should be starting for the Flames against Edmonton.
Prediction
Edmonton will likely be motivated by its 0-2 start, but they will still have some juice for this game as the Flames are their provincial rivals. The Flames should be excited about this game and ready to compete against the Oilers, bringing a solid effort. However, despite Calgary’s best effort, expect Edmonton to do enough to win. The Oilers’ ability to score goals should outlast the Flames effort.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2
Prop Bets of the Night for this Edition of NHL Predictions
The over/under is set at 6.5 on Bet365, which is right on our predicted score so we are staying away from that. With the Oilers power play we like Zach Hyman to score anytime at +200 and taking Draisaitl to record more than 1.5 points at +255. From a Flames perspective we like Jonathan Huberdeau to record over 1.5 shots for +152.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski – USA TODAY Sports
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