by OddsShark (@OddsShark) – Sponsored Post
The Calgary Flames will be trying to rebound from a disappointing loss to Montreal that has put their playoff aspirations back in doubt when they open a two-game road series with the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday as +125 road underdogs on the NHL odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Calgary let a golden opportunity to close the gap on the fourth-place Canadiens slip away with Tuesday’s 2-1 loss, and now sits six points back of Montreal heading into Thursday night’s matchup at Rogers Place.
Flames vs Oilers | OddsShark Matchup Report
Despite this week’s setback, there is plenty to like about the Flames during their current resurgence. After falling out of the playoff picture while losing nine of 11, Calgary has turned things around this month, posting wins in five of the team’s past eight outings.
The Flames have held opponents to two or fewer goals in seven of their past eight contests. And despite falling to defeat in five of seven away contests, that trend also extends to the team’s recent performance on the road. Calgary has given up just 2.14 goals per game during that stretch, fueling a 7-0-0 run for the UNDER (how the OVER/UNDER works).
The key now for the Flames is to reverse their spotty offensive play on the road. The team averaged three goals per game during its recent four-game homestand, but has scored just 12 times over its past seven road dates. They have also been outscored by a wide 13-5 in three straight losses in Edmonton.
Calgary can help its own cause with another fast start on Thursday night. The Flames have scored early in six of their past seven contests, racking up seven total first-period goals during that stretch. The team is also unbeaten in each of its past four outings when it opens the scoring. However, they have struggled to maintain momentum from fast starts against Edmonton this season. The Flames have posted wins over the Oilers in just three of five contests in which they have scored first, blowing an early lead on four occasions during that stretch.
Fresh off a two-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets that leaves them in sole possession of second place in the North Division standings, the Oilers return home for Thursday’s clash as -145 home favorites at sports betting sites. Edmonton has fueled its climb up the standings with wins in six of its past eight, and has also claimed victory in eight of nine on home ice.
Edmonton has effectively contained opposing shooters during its recent surge, limiting opponents to one or fewer goals in five of its past seven contests. They have also rebounded offensively, averaging 3.8 goals per game during a 4-1-0 run.
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