While every other NHL playoff series has seen scores of goals and at least one blowout, the best-of-seven between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars has been a lot more like “hockey playoffs.” Stingy defense, physical play and exemplary goalkeeping have been the featured themes throughout the first four games of the Round 1 matchup.
Headed for a 2-2 series on Tuesday, Game 5 should be an exciting playoff atmosphere. These two teams will compete for position throughout the night.
That said, it’s fair to suggest that the Flames have started to look like they’re about to put some separation between themselves and the Stars.
Stars vs. Game 5 Odds flames
Odds provided by BetRivers
Spread: DAL +1.5 (-111) vs. CAL -1.5 (+120)
money line: DAL (+175) vs. CAL (-210)
Total: More than 5.5 (+100) | Less than 5.5 (-118)
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Stars vs. Game 5 Prediction flames
In their Game 4, Calgary outscored Dallas, 75-38, created 13 more dangerous scoring chances and won on expected goals, 3.9-1.6, 5-5. Had it not been for Jake Oettinger’s heroism in the goal, the Flames could have won the contest much sooner than they actually did.
While Jacob Markstrom has been excellent in goal for Calgary, Oettinger has been the most effective goalie in the postseason thus far. The 23-year-old has skated with a .960 save percentage and +6.4 goals saved above expectations. And it’s not like he faced an easy workload, either.
The Flames have created 44 high-risk 5-on-5 scoring opportunities in this series, but have only scored in one of them. Goalies get absurdly hot with little showings, so Oettinger can continue to play well, but it’s really hard to imagine he’ll be able to keep his level that high against a deep offense that is beginning to find holes in the Dallas defense.
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And the job gets even tougher for the Stars on Wednesday night, as the Flames have home-court advantage and will get the matchups they want.
With Calgary’s offense in top form and a drop in form expected from Oettinger, Game 5 sets up well for an offensive burst from the Flames, who have scored just three goals in 5-on-5 this series.
The narrative surrounding this series is that every game will be a punter’s dream, but there are plenty of signs pointing to a stronger performance from Calgary’s offense, which should open things up for both teams. That being the case, bettors can find value in correlated markets, such as Flames -1.5, More than 5.5or a total equipment accessory.
The NHL’s best bet for Wednesday:: Calgary Team Total Over 4.5 (+260) — BetMGM
Reference-nypost.com