Oilers vs. Flames Game 2 Odds
| Oilers Odds | +145 |
| Flames Odds | -175 |
| Over/Under | 6.5 |
| Time | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Battle of Alberta will continue Friday night, as the Flames will look to defend their home ice against the Oilers for the second game in a row.
Game 1 of this series was truly something to behold. In total, the Flames and Oilers combined for 15 goals, and there were at least four goals scored in all three periods, with seven coming in the second.
That many goals in a playoff hockey game is a rare sight, but it showed the world how potent both of these scoring attacks can be.
Does that mean we will see the Flames outlast the Oilers again, or can Connor McDavid & Co. steal a win on the road?
Count on Oilers' Dynamic Duo
The duo of McDavid and Leon Draisaitl has given plenty of defenses nightmares over the years, and that remains the case this postseason.
Through eight playoff games, McDavid has a total of 18 points and Draisaitl has 12 of his own. That has led this offensive attack to the top in many categories this postseason.
Entering this matchup, Edmonton has scored a total of 22 goals in 5-on-5 situations, according to MoneyPuck, which leads all playoff teams. The Oilers also rank third in Expected Goals For per 60 minutes (xGF/60) in 5-on-5 with 3.46, a rather large improvement from their regular season xGF/60 of 2.68.
In addition, this Oilers team is generating an incredible 15.85 High Danger Scoring Chances in 5-on-5 through eight playoff games. They can score from just about anywhere in the offensive zone, but if Edmonton can keep getting opportunities in close, they have a shot to win this game.
Having that great of an offense takes loads of pressure off of Mike Smith in net, and it has already been confirmed that he will start this game.
Smith struggled in Game 1 and gave up three goals on only 10 shots, but he still has an SV% of .923 in 5-on-5 and has been solid this postseason.
Flames Are Capable of Limiting Oilers
The Flames narrowly escaped Round 1, defeating the Stars in overtime to win Game 7 thanks to a goal from Johnny Gaudreau.
The Stars certainly gave Calgary a scare, but it appears that the Flames have come into this series with a new approach.
If any team is capable of slowing down the Edmonton scoring attack, it is the Flames.
Since the postseason began, the Flames' defense has been on a roll. Entering this matchup, they rank fourth overall in Expected Goals Against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) in 5-on-5 with 2.23 — just behind Colorado, Minnesota and Boston.
Dallas didn't pose a huge scoring threat in Round 1 — which is part of the reason why that number is so low — but Calgary finished the regular season with a xGA/60 of 2.29, showing it has been great against every opponent.
Jacob Markstrom has also been a stud in net all year, which has played a massive role in Calgary's success. Markstrom got an ugly win in Game 1, but he has posted an SV% of .918 and -0.4 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx), so for the most part, he has been a great last line of defense.
Oilers vs. Flames Pick
I doubt we see 15 more goals being scored in this game, but this is a series that will still see lots of pucks find the back of the net. I think the over is once again in play here.
Edmonton was only able to get off 28 shots on goal in Game 1 compared to Calgary's 48, but the Oilers still netted six pucks and displayed not only how strong they are on the offensive end, but also how efficient they can be with their chances — even against a great goalie in Markstrom.
Furthermore, Calgary and Edmonton went head-to-head four times in the regular season, a season series that averaged 8.25 goals per game and actually saw a total of 14 in their last meeting prior to the playoffs beginning.
The Flames have not had issues scoring against the Oilers this year, and the Oilers have done a great job generating scoring chances this postseason. The total currently sits at 6.5, and even though that is on the higher-end for an over, it's a bet I'm willing to back.
Pick: Total Over 6.5 (-115)
