On a busy night of hockey, there are two rivalries you should consider betting on. The first is the Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, then off to California where the Anaheim Ducks visit the San Jose Sharks.
Calgary Flames (-155) vs Edmonton Oilers (+125)
The Battle of Alberta is always a very heated rivalry between these two clubs. The Flames have the advantage of being at home and are first in the division. But nonetheless, the Oilers always either win or keep it close. In the fourth and final game of the season series, the Oilers come into this one having won the first two, 5-2 and 5-3, then dropping the more recent meeting 3-1.
Both teams have won at home, so you may think the Flames are destined to take this one. Since the end of January, both teams are within the top three in points and both head coaches have their teams playing great hockey. Edmonton is 6-1-1 in their past eight games but have lost four straight on the road. Taking on their bitter rivals could be just what they need to stop that streak.
Jacob Markstrom and the Flames played last night as they took down the Arizona Coyotes in a closer game than it should’ve been against a bottom team. They may be a bit tired and should also be starting their backup Dan Vladar who has much worse numbers than Markstrom. On the other side, Mike Smith should get the start after going 2-0-1 in his past three and is looking to continue to turn things around just in time for the Oilers. The obvious choice is to always take Calgary at home, but the Oilers here have good value for how they’ve played and how they play the Flames every time they meet.
San Jose Sharks (-155) vs Anaheim Ducks (+125)
The Sharks come into this battle with a favourable matchup against a Ducks team who just can’t seem to get it done lately. They have lost eight in a row and have allowed fewer than four goals against only twice. There are injuries to key players as well as they have just shipped out Josh Manson, Hampus Lindholm, Nic Deslauriers, and Rickard Rakell.
The Sharks have won two of the past three and just knocked off the Flames two games ago in a stunner. They are running three goalies until at least the end of the season so you can bet that each of them will play their heart out when they get a chance. The Sharks are the favourites in this one for good reason, so take them and the over (O6) since both teams hit that a lot and still have players who can put the puck in the back of the net.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
