Carolina Hurricanes at Calgary Flames odds, picks and predictions
The Carolina Hurricanes (14-10-1) face the Calgary Flames (10-12-3) Thursday at Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Hurricanes vs. Flamesodds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Hurricanes were roughed up Wednesday night in Edmonton against the Oilers. Carolina fell behind 4-0 in the 1st period, and Pyotr Kochetkov allowed 3 goals on just 6 shots to get the hook only 5:46 into the game. Antti Raanta entered the game, allowing 3 goals on 28 shots, but the damage was more than done in the 6-1 loss.
The Flames suffered a 5-2 setback against the visiting Minnesota Wild last time out on Tuesday, and they are 2-2-1 in the past 5 games, having failed to win in regulation at Scotiabank Saddledome since Nov. 16. Calgary is 2-3-0 in the past 5 games overall, with both victories coming in overtime.
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Hurricanes at Flames odds
FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:13 a.m. ET.
Hurricanes at Flames projected goalies
Antti Raanta (6-4-0, 3.33 GAA, .859 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Dustin Wolf (0-1-0, 3.66 GAA, .882 SV%)
Raanta was thrust into action in Wednesday's game in Edmonton, as Kochetkov was just god-awful in the 1st period, getting Carolina into an early 3-0 hole. It's a tough spot for Raanta, who essentially played a full game, stopping 25 of 28 shots in 54:14 of ice time.
Wolf also came on relief in Tuesday's 5-2 setback against the Minnesota Wild last time out, as Dan Vladar struggled mightily. Wolf allowed 11 of 13 shots in the relief appearance. Vladar and Wolf are holding down the fort while Jacob Markstrom is week-to-week with a broken finger he suffered in practice on Monday.
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Hurricanes at Flames picks and predictions
Prediction
Flames 5, Hurricanes 4
The FLAMES (-102) are a decent play at almost even-money on home ice, as the Hurricanes (-118) are in a tough spot with a quick turnaround after an atrocious game in Edmonton on Wednesday.
Raanta will not be rested, and it's unlikely the team will turn back to Kochetkov. And even if they did, it would be great news for Calgary.
We don't know what we have from Wolf, but Vladar has struggled, so perhaps Wolf will have the home fans howling with delight while Markstrom is on the shelf.
The Flames +1.5 (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that's too risky if you would prefer a little bit of insurance.
Yes, Calgary has struggled to get wins on home ice lately, especially in regulation, and the team is dealing with some issues in the crease. However, the Hurricanes -1.5 (+202) can't be trusted with the quick turnaround, either.
AVOID.
The OVER 6.5 (+100) is an amazing value at even-money.
Wolf is the 3rd-string goaltender from the Flames, up from the AHL, while Raanta is going to be exhausted after playing nearly a full game in Edmonton on Wednesday. We could have fire-wagon hockey, with plenty of goals early on.
The Over has cashed in 3 straight games for the Flames, while going 7-2-1 in the past 10 games overall, and 6-1-1 in the past 8 games at home.
The Hurricanes cashed the Over in Edmonton on Wednesday, while going 3-1 in the past 4 games overall. The Canes have averaged 3.4 goals per game (GPG) across the past 9 outings, while allowing 4.0 GPG in the past 7 contests. That's a good recipe for Over results.
