NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Flames vs Oilers (Saturday, February 24)
Codie McLachlan/Getty Images. Pictured: Mattias Janmark
Flames vs. Oilers Odds
| Flames Odds | +155 |
| Oilers Odds | -185 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -130o / +110u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, February 24 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
Tonight's Pacific Division showdown in the NHL between the Calgary Flames (27-25-5) and the Edmonton Oilers (33-19-2) is not just another game on the schedule — it's a battle filled with intensity, rivalry and significant implications for both teams.
This matchup reflects the ongoing battle for playoff positioning in both divisional and conference standing and offers a deep dive into a contest where strategy, talent and a bit of animosity converge on the ice.
Here's my Flames vs. Oilers preview and prediction.
The Flames have demonstrated relative competence and competitiveness throughout the season, as evidenced by their solid Corsi ranking (10th), which indicates their ability to control the puck and generate shot attempts. However, their 19th rank in expected goals (xG) and 20th in high-danger chances suggest a struggle to convert these attempts into quality scoring opportunities.
This discrepancy highlights a potential area of concern for Calgary as it faces an Edmonton team known for its elite offensive prowess in what projects to be a high-scoring game.
Defensively, Calgary has been relatively sturdy, with an eighth-place rank in Corsi and middle-of-the-pack placements in xG (17th) and high-danger chances (16th).
Tonight’s starting goaltender Dan Vladar's statistics, however, paint an extremely worrisome picture for the Flames, with rankings toward the lower end among netminders in save percentage and goals saved above expected. Vladar's performance will be crucial in Calgary's efforts to contain Edmonton's high-octane offense.
The Oilers' offensive metrics are nothing short of impressive, leading the league in both expected goals and high-danger chances while ranking fifth in Corsi. This trio of statistics underscores an attack that not only generates a high volume of shot attempts but does so in a lethal manner that creates quality scoring opportunities and converts them.
With a litany of superstar talent which includes Conor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman and Evander Kane, Edmonton’s ability to penetrate opposing defenses and consistently threaten the net is a significant factor in its success this season.
We cannot forget about the Oilers’ defense, however. Edmonton has shown remarkable improvement since the beginning of the season, ranking second in Corsi and fifth in both xG and high-danger chances. These metrics reflect a team that has become adept at limiting opponents' opportunities, a critical component of its strategy given the high-scoring nature of its games.
Starting goaltender Stuart Skinner, while not leading the league, has provided the Oilers with stable and sometimes game-saving performances.
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Flames vs. Oilers
Betting Pick & Prediction
Considering the absolute dominance of Edmonton on both ends of the ice and the critical aspects of this matchup, taking the Oilers moneyline in regulation emerges as the best betting strategy.
Edmonton's superior and star-studded offensive capability, combined with its surprisingly effective defensive metrics, positions it well to take advantage of a Flames team that has struggled to convert shot attempts into goals and shown vulnerabilities in goaltending.
The Oilers’ have also been rather stout at home, posting a 17-7-2 record at Rogers Place, whereas the Flames are a middling road team, with a 13-12-4 record in hostile environments. Edmonton needs to keep the foot on the gas to maintain its positioning in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, which adds an extra layer of motivation.
I will be taking the Oilers regulation ML (-120 at DraftKings) as it offers a well-rounded approach, backing the team with the elite metrics on both ends while also minimizing the juice compared to the full game moneyline.
Pick: Oilers regulation ML (-120)
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