Stars vs Flames 08/20/20 – Odds and NHL Betting Trends
3 years ago
by OddsShark (@OddsShark) – Sponsored Post
The Calgary Flames will be trying to avoid elimination on Thursday when they face off against the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series as +110 underdogs on the NHL odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
After dropping a 2-1 decision to Dallas in Game 5 Calgary now trails 3-2 in the series, and is poised to be bounced from the playoffs in the first round for a third time in four years in Thursday’s matchup at Rogers Place.
Stars vs Flames | OddsShark Matchup Report
The Flames have failed to maintain the momentum gained from their qualifying-round series win over the rival Winnipeg Jets. Since jumping out to a 2-1 series lead, Calgary has been unable to keep pace with the Stars. The team was forced to twice overcome one-goal deficits in a discouraging 5-4 overtime loss in Game 4, and once again surrendered a first-period lead in Tuesday’s loss as a +115 wager.
Calgary has sorely missed Matthew Tkachuk, who has now missed three games since reportedly suffering a concussion in Game 2. Tkachuk enjoyed steady success against Dallas, racking up a goal and four assists while leading Calgary to wins in two of three meetings during the regular season.
The Flames’ offense has been sporadic since losing Tkachuk, whose status remains questionable for Game 6. The Flames have scored just five total goals over their past three games after averaging almost four goals per game over their first six postseason outings. Despite that drop in production, bettors have seen mixed results on the totals, with the UNDER going 2-2-1 in this series after paying out in six of Calgary’s eight previous contests.
A dismal track record in the playoffs adds to the pressure on the Flames going into Game 6. Calgary has posted just one first-round series victory in seven playoff appearances in the NHL’s salary cap era. That trend is reflected on the NHL playoff series prices, where the Flames now lag as +375 longshots to bounce back and knock off the Stars.
Set as -130 favorites at sports betting sites, Dallas enters Game 6 on a high after recording consecutive wins for the first time since late February. Losers in their previous eight games, the Stars have now posted wins in four of six outings, with five of those games decided by a single goal.
Now positioned to emerge victorious in a third straight first-round series appearance, the Stars sport short -550 odds to eventually get past Calgary, but have won more than two in a row on just one occasion over a 33-game stretch that started back on January 11.
Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for analysis on this week’s top games. As well, the OddsShark Computer serves up daily NHL betting picks.
Recent articles from Nation World HQ
