NHL Picks: What Kind of Team is Calgary Right Now?

There Were A Few Games Yesterday

Last night was fun as there were three evening games and one night game with Florida and Anaheim exciting us until the final whistle. Yes, the defense was optional, but it was fun. Would you expect anything less?

Calgary Flames at New York Islanders

The Flames face off against the Islanders tonight and the question is: will Jacob Markstrom play tonight or tomorrow night? He is the projected goalie. Ilya Sorokin is projected for New York, but the Islanders have the same scenario. Keep an eye on this.   

Even losing to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday did not dampen the numbers too much for the Islanders. They stand as a slight 2.04 underdog on the moneyline to defeat the Flames tonight. New York scored 41 times in 12 games, but Calgary only had 32 in 10 contests. It is not much of a difference. However, New York’s goal differential is +11, and Calgary’s is -1.

Yes, the Flames were 5-1 to start the season and saw their odds dip to almost as slim as Toronto’s. A four-game losing streak has seen them almost slide back to where they were in the preseason. What team is Calgary at this point? There is a lot of talent, but Oliver Kylington, Michael Stone, and Christopher Tanev on injured reserve have hurt this team. 

Canadian sports bettors should have a little pause when a game has a Moneyline like this. Calgary is going East on the first game of a road trip and plays tomorrow. These East Coast trips are not the easiest, and there was a time adjustment on Sunday. 

Other players' props may be a way to get around those numbers. Anytime goals from Anders Lee or Brock Nelson could be good bets. See about Jonathan Huberdeau. He is struggling with just a goal and four assists in 10 games. However, Huberdeau is the type of player who can break out anytime. Finally, keep an eye on that New York moneyline. It may move depending on the goalie news.

Edmonton Oilers at Washington Capitals

The Capitals have been battling injuries all season and come in limping as they entertain the Oilers on Monday night. The Oilers are 1.66 on the Moneyline, which may be the most favoured they have ever been on a trip to Washington during the Alex Ovechkin era.

Both teams come in well-rested. Washington is struggling to score goals again. It has seven in the last four games (all losses). Without Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, and Tom Wilson, a lot of the offensive punch and some defense are sorely lacking. Darcy Kuemper has been better than expected in goal, but limited goal support has hurt him and the Capitals. 

The question is, who starts for the Edmonton Oilers tonight? Jack Campbell gave up six goals in a loss to Dallas, and Stuart Skinner yielded four goals on 43 shots versus New Jersey last week. The numbers lean toward Skinner, but Edmonton also plays tomorrow. It will be a decision time for the coaching staff.

The entertainment factor again should reign supreme here. The Over is 1.83 here, set at 6.5 goals. Trusting the Moneyline or Puckline too much in this tilt is difficult. Looking at the prospect of McDavid and Draisaitl versus Ovechkin is interesting. Does it spark the Washington offense? Taking a small wager on goals is a good bet.

Looking toward some shot props, mainly for Ovechkin, which could be profitable tonight. Edmonton has given up 79 shots in their last two games, and Washington could easily allow 35+ themselves.

Some Random Wagers For Canadian Sports Bettors Tonight

Here are some early ideas:

• New York Islanders in regulation - 2.46 or 2.04 on the Moneyline
• Alex Ovechkin Over 0.5 goals - 1.91
• Alex Ovechkin Over 4.5 shots - 2.30
• Evander Kane Over 3.5 shots - 1.83

Good luck, and take a look on social media for more picks. Thanks for reading!

Numbers are via Sports Interaction and BetMGM.