Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames Picks, Predictions, Odds

Daniel Dobish Sports Betting Expert

11 minute read

The Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames meet at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday night for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, a best-of-seven series. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, and the game can be viewed on ESPN.

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Score Prediction

Flames 4, Oilers 3

Best Bet

Flames -159
Over 6 (-115)

EDMONTON OILERS vs. CALGARY FLAMES PREDICTIONS

The Oilers fell behind in their series against the Los Angeles Kings, losing 5-4 in overtime in Game 5 to trail 3-2. Edmonton coughed up four or more goals in three of the first five games, but it tightened up with a 4-2 win in Los Angeles in Game 6, and 2-0 in Game 7 at home behind Mike Smith. The UNDER cashed in three of the final four games for the Oilers.

Superstar Connor McDavid registered four goals with a team-high 14 points and a plus-10 rating in the series, while also winning 50 of his 98 faceoff attempts (51.02%). Evander Kane led the way with seven goals, and he had 16 PIM and 34 shots on goal, too, also leading the team.

The Flames were also tested in a defensive battle with the Dallas Stars. In seven games, Calgary managed just 15 goals, while allowing 14. Jacob Markstrom stood on his head, going 4-3-0 with a 1.53 GAA and .943 SV% with a shutout. Johnny Gaudreau potted the game-winning goal in Game 7 in overtime, and he ended up with two goals and a team-high eight points in the Dallas series.

This will be the first time these teams have met in the postseason since the 1991 Smythe Division Semifinals, with the Oilers winning in seven games. The Oilers also won in the Division Finals in a sweep in 1988. In 1986, these teams met, and it was the only series win for the Flames in five tries against Edmonton. Defenseman Steve Smith of the Oilers had an own goal, on his 23rd birthday no less, which led to the Flames series win in the decisive game.

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EDMONTON OILERS vs. CALGARY FLAMES BETTING ODDS

Oilers +140
Flames -159
Oilers +1.5 (-169)
Flames -1.5 (+158)
Over 6 (-115)
Under 6.5 (-120)

More Odds | Futures Odds

EDMONTON OILERS vs. CALGARY FLAMES BETTING RESOURCES

• Date: Wednesday, May 18, 2022
• Matchup: Pacific vs. Pacifc
• Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome
• Location: Calgary, Alta.
• TV-Time: ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET

EDMONTON OILERS BETTING ANALYSIS

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 53-29-7
• ATS: 43-46
• O/U: 45-41-3

The Oilers outscored the Kings by a 6-2 margin in the final two games against the Kings, both elimination games, forcing this much-anticipated Battle of Alberta.

The last time these teams met on March 26, the Flames won 9-5 in the Scotiabank Saddledome, as Leon Draisaitl racked up a hat trick with four points, including two power-play goals, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had a goal and four points. In a completely different game on March 7 in Calgary, the Flames won 3-1. Edmonton won the first two games on home ice, which suggest this could be a lengthy series.

The Oilers are 23-9 in the past 32 games overall, while going 7-3 in the past 10 road outings. The Oilers are 2-5 in the past seven as an underdog, while going 2-6 in the past eight as a road 'dog. The Oilers are just 1-4 in the past five games in the Western Conference Semifinals.

CALGARY FLAMES BETTING ANALYSIS

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 54-24-11
• ATS: 47-42
• O/U: 42-39-8

The Flames and Stars really had a defensive battle, with a few more goals later in the series. Calgary has managed 36 wins in the past 53 games overall, while also going 36-17 in the past 53 as a favorite. They're 24-9 in the past 33 games at home, too, including 6-1 in the past seven as a home favorite. Like the Oilers, the Flames are just 1-4 in the past five games in the Western Conference Semifinals.

For totals, the UNDER is 6-2-1 in the past nine games overall, while going 3-0-1 in the past four games at home. The UNDER is also 11-4-2 in the past 17 playoff games when favored, while going 6-2-1 in the past nine overall when favored.

EDMONTON OILERS vs. CALGARY FLAMES CONCLUSION

As mentioned, the home team won all four meetings in the regular season. Edmonton has managed just one victory in the past five trips down Alberta Route 2 in Calgary. The home team has also cashed in five in a row dating back to last season, too, while the favorite has hit in four of the past five overall. For totals, it's all about the OVER in the past 20 meetings in Calgary, going 13-6-1.

The Flames will be glad to put Jake Oettinger of the Stars in the rear-view mirror. He was on fire in the seven-game series, nearly carrying the toothless Stars to a win. But Markstrom was a little better, and he'll look to keep the Oilers down. Markstrom was just 2-2-0 with a 3.54 GAA and .884 SV% in four regular-season meetings with the Oilers, so perhaps Edmonton will fare much better. However, in Game 1, and on home ice, look for the Flames to pick up the win.

EDMONTON OILERS vs. CALGARY FLAMES BETTING TRENDS

• Oilers are 23-9 in the past 32 games overall.
• Oilers are 7-3 in the past 10 road games.
• Oilers are 2-5 in the past seven as an underdog.
• Oilers are 2-6 in the past eight as a road 'dog.
• Flames are 36-17 in the past 53 games overall.
• Flames are 24-9 in the past 33 home games.
• Flames are 6-1 in the past seven as a home fave.
• UNDER is 7-2 in the past nine road games for the Oilers.
• UNDER is 4-0 in the past four as a 'dog for the Oilers.
• UNDER is 6-2-1 in the past nine games for the Flames.
• UNDER is 3-0-1 in the past four as a home fave for the Flames.
• UNDER is 11-4-2 in the past 17 playoff games as a favorite.
• Home team is 5-0 in the past five meetings.
• Favorite is 4-1 in the past five meetings.
• Oilers are 1-4 in the past five trips to Calgary.
• OVER is 13-6-1 in the past 20 meetings in Calgary.

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Daniel Dobish

Dan is a handicapper and sports betting expert for VegasInsider with years of experience writing for a number of top publications in the industry. More from Daniel Dobish