There is a double-digit slate on tap in the NHL on Thursday night. Among some solid action is a matchup between an Anaheim Ducks team riding a winning streak and a Calgary Flames team battling for a playoff spot. With the regular-season runway shortening, every point is crucial down the stretch for contending teams like the Flames. With that, division games like this one make for great viewing.
If you want to watch the game with a little added excitement, here are our expert predictions for tonight’s Ducks vs Flames matchup.
Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks Predictions
- Calgary Flames 3-way ML over Anaheim Ducks (-110)
- Under 5.5 (+105)
- Jonathan Huberdeau over 0.5 points (-160)
Flames 3-Way ML Over Ducks (-110)
The Ducks present a bit of a get-right spot for the Flames. Calgary has gone through a mini gauntlet, as their last five games have come against the Jets twice, Sabres, Wild and Capitals. Despite the tough schedule, Calgary won three of those five games. But after dropping their last two, the Flames will likely come out with some added urgency to collect two points against the Ducks.
While Anaheim enters this game having won three straight, their opponents were teams with a combined average .454 win percentage. The Ducks have two wins in their last eight road games, and generally have struggled against the Flames. Head-to-head, Calgary has won five of the last six matchups, including one earlier in the season. The Flames are the more reliable play in this one, and they should be able to get it done in regulation.
Under 5.5 (+105)
The under has been prominent for both the Ducks and Flames this season. Generally, both teams struggle to score as Anaheim and Calgary rank 32nd and 29th respectively in the NHL in goals scored per game. Their power plays also rank 31st and 17th. Those numbers held true when these teams played earlier this month, where Calgary prevailed 3-2.
The total has gone under in 10 of Calgary’s last 15 games and in four of their last six at home. The combined over/under record between these teams this season is 37-57-5, including 19-28-3 in Ducks road games and Flames home games. Trends and longer-term metrics give the under appeal at plus-money odds.
Jonathan Huberdeau Over 0.5 Points (-160)
While the Flames’ offense has not been much to write home about, the team is nevertheless currently in a Wild Card spot. One major positive for Calgary this season has been the resurgence of Jonathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau leads the Flames in goals, points and power-play points. He logs the second-most minutes among Flames forwards, and scored in the one game against the Ducks thus far this season.
Huberdeau is heavily relied on as he skates on the top line and top power play. In a game with playoff-picture implications, look for Huberdeau to continue to be leaned on, log high-leverage minutes, and produce once again in this matchup against Anaheim.
