Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames Preview
As the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to face the Calgary Flames this Wednesday at the Scotiabank Saddledome, expectations for scoring are low. This matchup, which will commence at 9:30 PM ET, is anticipated to be a defensive showdown with Calgary likely to come out on top.
Defensive Strengths
According to current analyses, the best bet for the evening favors betting on the total goals to be under 5.5, with odds at +110. Both teams have shown commendable defensive capabilities since returning from the holiday break, with Calgary leading the league in penalty-killing efficiency and Pittsburgh trailing just behind in third place. The Flames, allowing an average of 2.67 goals per game, rank seventh in that category overall, while the Penguins excel even further, giving up just 2.17 goals per game, placing them second in the entire NHL.
At home, Calgary’s defense has been particularly formidable, conceding only 2.35 goals on average. Their goaltender Dustin Wolf, who possesses a save percentage of .924 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.16 in 19 starts, is proving to be a formidable barrier. His previous season at home saw him maintain impressive stats as well.
Team Performance and Betting Insights
The Flames boast a strong home record of 13-7-3 and are driving possession efficiently with a 51.8 Corsi For percentage, while also achieving a significant 5-on-5 team save percentage that ranks fourth in the league. However, the Penguins will have to contend without their top defenseman, Erik Karlsson, who is battling a lower body injury.
In terms of individual performances, Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich is gaining traction, having recorded at least two shots on goal in seven of his last ten outings, amounting to 23 shots from a total of 46 attempts.
For bettors considering a same-game parlay, a solid combination to explore includes placing a wager on the Flames’ moneyline, the total goals under 5.5, and betting that Sharangovich will record over 1.5 shots on goal.
Betting Odds and Trends
As for the betting odds, both teams have been set at -110 for the moneyline, with options for the Penguins at +220 on the puck line if they cover a -1.5 spread. The over/under for total goals stands at 6.5, with the under favored at -130.
In recent trends, the Flames have successfully covered the puck line in 16 of their past 20 home games, demonstrating a strong return on investment. As the game nears, wager caution is suggested as odds may vary leading up to puck drop. Viewers can catch the action live on SportsNet Pittsburgh and Sportsnet West.
