Flames vs Oilers 05/01/21 – Odds and NHL Betting Trends
3 years ago
by OddsShark (@OddsShark) – Sponsored Post
The Edmonton Oilers will be looking to avoid posting consecutive losses for the first time in almost seven weeks when they wrap up their season series against the Calgary Flames on Saturday as -130 favorites on the NHL odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Edmonton failed to overcome a stingy Calgary defense while dropping a 3-1 decision in Thursday’s series opener, and now rides a two-game losing streak on home ice into Saturday night’s matchup at Rogers Place.
Flames vs Oilers | OddsShark Matchup Report
With Jacob Markstrom standing tall in net, the Flames effectively contained Edmonton shooters, most notably Connor McDavid. The Oilers captain powered the attack during the team’s recent surge, contributing to 15 of 19 total goals during their preceding 4-1-0 run. However, with McDavid in check, the Oilers offense wilted in Thursday’s loss, heightening concerns about the team’s continued lack of secondary scoring.
The other half of Edmonton’s superstar duo also finds himself in a prolonged slump. Leon Draisaitl was once again held pointless in Thursday’s loss, and has now scattered just two goals and four assists over the club’s past eight contests. The Oilers’ uncharacteristic lack of production has generated steady winnings for those taking the UNDER in totals betting, which has paid out in 11 of the club’s past 14 outings (how the OVER/UNDER works).
Edmonton has also struggled to produce consistent offense in recent meetings with Calgary. The team has now scored just one total goal while losing two straight to their Battle of Alberta rivals. That marks a huge step back after they racked up 4.60 goals per game while posting wins in four of their previous five meetings.
Despite those offensive concerns, the Oilers have managed to make steady gains in the North Division standings. Edmonton has played some solid defensive hockey of its own of late, limiting opponents to one or fewer goals in five of its last eight outings, and avoiding consecutive losses during an 11-4-2 run. That success has lifted the team into sole possession of second place in the North Division standings, three points up on the moribund Winnipeg Jets with just eight games remaining on the schedule.
While the Oilers look to kickstart their middling offense, and rediscover their winning ways down the stretch, the Flames remain in desperation mode as they hit the ice on Saturday as +110 road underdogs at sports betting sites.
Calgary has played some of its best hockey of the season while winning six of its past nine contests. The team has limited opponents to just 1.77 goals per game during that stretch, and posted wins in three of four road contests. However, the Flames remain six points back of Montreal in the race for the final playoff spot in the North with just seven games left on the schedule.
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