Flames vs. Predators Odds
| Flames Odds | +104 |
| Predators Odds | -125 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 -140/ +112 |
Here's everything you need to know about Flames vs. Predators on Thursday, Jan. 4 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The under has been a profitable bet when these teams have met over the past couple of seasons as it's gone 6-2-2 over the past 10 meetings.
Will we see another low-scoring affair?
Let's dig into the NHL odds and make a Flames vs. Predators prediction and pick.
Calgary Flames
Calgary has been involved in some low-scoring contests recently, with five or fewer goals scored in four of its past six games. That trend is still live for a few reasons.
First, goaltender Jacob Markstrom has been seeing the puck well. Over those six games, Markstrom is 4-2 with a commanding .936 SV% and a 1.85 GAA.
That success is likely to continue against Nashville, a team he has fared well against as he boasts a .919 SV% and a 2.62 GAA over his past eight starts. Markstrom's job is also made easier by the Flames' stingy blue line.
At 5-on-5, the Flames rank 11th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). However, Calgary hasn't been nearly as efficient offensively as it ranks in the bottom third of the league in goals scored per game and power play percentage.
Its underlying metrics suggest that positive regression is unlikely as it ranks 21st in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5.
Nashville Predators
The Flames' underwhelming offense may struggle against the Predators and goaltender Juuse Saros. Once again putting together a strong campaign, Saros is 16-3-1 with a .904 SV% and a 2.91 GAA through 30 starts.
Like Markstrom, Saros also boasts a tremendous track record against tonight's opponent. Through 13 career starts against Calgary, Saros is 9-2-1 with a dominant .928 SV% and a 2.44 GAA.
There are a lot of similarities between these clubs, including their defensive efficiency. At 5-on-5, Nashville ranks just one spot lower (12th) than the Flames in xGA/60.
Both teams also struggle on offense as the Predators rank in the bottom half of the league in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game and shooting percentage. With this combination of variables, it shouldn't be too shocking that there have been five or fewer goals scored in seven of their past 12 games.
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Flames vs. Predators
Betting Pick & Prediction
Another aspect of this game to look at is special teams. Nashville's power play is right at the league average, but Calgary ranks ninth in penalty minutes taken per game and fifth in penalty kill percentage.
Meanwhile, the Flames' 30th-ranked power play is nothing to worry about.
The under has been profitable when these teams have met over the past couple of seasons, and I expect more of the same on Thursday evening.
Pick: Under 5.5 (+112 at FanDuel | Play to +105)
