Welcome to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Today, we’re looking at the Calgary Flames against the Colorado Avalanche. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions every day there’s hockey this 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames (34-26-12) vs Colorado Avalanche (45-26-3)
Head-to-Head: Colorado leads 2-0
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NHL Power Play on ESPN+ | H ALT, KTVD | Prime Video
The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for what is an almost guaranteed first-round playoff matchup with the Dallas Stars. While the Calgary Flames are desperately trying to make the playoffs. While the Calgary Flames should be the more desperate team, the Avalanche are the better team. Colorado has won the first two matchups against Calgary this season, both by a score of 4-2. In their first matchup the Avalanche won the game largely thanks to their superstar talent, in the second game they got an added boost thanks to their depth. Let’s take a closer look at how both team’s are playing coming into tonight’s matchup and make our prediction on the likely outcome.
Colorado is preparing for a likely first-round playoff matchup with Dallas, while Calgary is fighting to stay in the playoff race. Despite Calgary’s urgency, Colorado is the superior team, winning both previous matchups this season by identical 4-2 scores. The Avalanche stars carried them in the first game, while their depth proved decisive in the second. Let’s examine how both teams are playing heading into tonight’s contest.
Calgary Flames and Their Fading Playoff Hopes
Calgary is in tough in today’s NHL Predictions. Calgary sits seven points behind St. Louis for the final Western Conference playoff spot, with three games in hand. However, tough opponents like Colorado make their path difficult. The Flames recently lost a hard-fought game against Dallas, where two goals were overturned, followed by an overtime loss to Edmonton. These close games yielded just one point out of four, while St. Louis has won nine straight.
Nazem Kadri has led Calgary’s offence, scoring six goals and eight points in his last five games, including back-to-back overtime winners. Rookie Matthew Coronato has also stepped up, reaching the 20-goal mark. The Flames need more offensive contributions to compete with Colorado’s high-powered attack. While Calgary’s defence and rookie goalie Dustin Wolf have been solid, the Avalanche are hard to contain. Staying out of the penalty box is crucial. Needless to say, giving Colorado power plays could be disastrous.
Colorado Avalanche Are Peaking at the Right Time
Colorado made an unprecedented ten trades this season, overhauling their roster by acquiring Brock Nelson, Martin Necas, and Charlie Coyle while parting with Mikko Rantanen and top prospect Calum Ritchie. Despite the shake-up, the Avalanche remain a top contender.
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have kept Colorado competitive during the transition. Now, with a more balanced roster and improved goaltending from Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood, the team looks stronger than ever. The Avalanche have won four of their last five games and 13 of their last 15. With one of the league’s best offences, they pose a major challenge for Calgary.
NHL Predictions Flames versus Avalanche
Calgary desperately needs two points and must deliver a top effort. They’ll need scoring, disciplined play, and a strong performance from Wolf to have a chance. Colorado, however, is the clear favourite. With a lethal offence, improving chemistry, and home-ice advantage, they should outlast Calgary.
Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
In the first matchup of the season, Martin Necas scored twice against the Flames. With his power play time he’s a good candidate to find the scoresheet tonight. An anytime Necas goal has odds of +200 on certain betting sites. Jonathan Huberdeau is second on the Flames on scoring, but has been held goalless for three straight games. In a massive game tonight, Huberdeau is a prime candidate to score a goal. With odds of over +300 to score, it’s a good option to look at for your prop bet.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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