Oilers vs Flames Prediction, Picks & Odds

Oct 4, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) tries to carry the puck around Calgary Flames defensemen Ilya Solovyov (98)during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY SportsThe Flames and Oilers battle at Rogers Place on Saturday nightThe latest NHL odds price Edmonton has notable betting favoritesRead below for Oilers vs Flames prediction & odds for the Battle of Alberta

The latest installment of the “Battle of Alberta” rivalry takes place on Saturday, February 24th when the Edmonton Oilers host the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. Puck drop is set for 10:00pm EST, and the game will be televised nationally on Hockey Night in Canada.

The Oilers come into this matchup with a 33-19-2 record, good for 6th place in the Western Conference. They are coming off a disappointing 4-2 home loss to the Wild on Friday night. The Flames sit in 12th place in the West with a 27-25-5 record, but have won two straight games, including an overtime thriller against the Bruins on Thursday.

According to most sportsbooks, the Oilers are favored at -185 on the moneyline while the Flames are +150 underdogs. The total is set at 6.5 goals. The Oilers have won four straight head-to-head matchups against their provincial rivals.

Oilers vs Flames Odds

In the Battle of Alberta odds, Edmonton is a heavy -185 favorite on their home ice, implying they have a 65% chance of winning.

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Odds as of February 24th at BetMGM Sportsbook. Check out the available mobile sportsbook apps for Battle of Alberta wagering.

Oilers have Dominated Flames

Edmonton has had Calgary’s number lately, winning the last four head-to-head matchups and eight of the last 10 meetings overall. Connor McDavid loves to play in the Battle of Albera, as evidenced by his 29 goals and 24 goals in 39 career games vs the Flame.

Oilers vs Flames History

These two teams have only played once in the 2023-24 season so far, with the Oilers winning 3-1 outdoors at the Heritage Classic back in January. The Flames haven’t won against Edmonton since early 2022 (4-3).

Oilers Betting Analysis

The Oilers saw their 16-game winning streak snapped in late January and have gone just 4-4-1 since returning from the All-Star break. Their usually potent offense has slowed down a bit, averaging 3.22 goals per game over that stretch. More concerning is their defensive play, having allowed 3+ goals in every single game during that 9-game span.

“You look at the expected wins, many of those games we should have won,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. “I’m not concerned, at all.”

"You would like a little more offence from throughout the lineup."

Coach Knoblauch shares post-game remarks as the #Oilers drop the first game of their weekend back-to-back. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/VwaahTF1qJ

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 24, 2024

Team captain Connor McDavid echoed those sentiments while also identifying their inconsistent play as an issue. The Hart Trophy odds contender has been racking up the helpers but has had no goals in his past eight contests.

“It’s just being focused and ready for three hours and not having any lulls,” McDavid said after the loss on Friday. “Those can’t happen. If you want to be a good team, you’ve got to play all three periods, and we haven’t done that in a bit here.”

After Calvin Pickard struggled against the Wild, the Oilers are expected to turn back to starter Stuart Skinner on Saturday. The 25-year-old has solidified his starting gig in his second full NHL season, posting a 25-12-2 record with a .903 save percentage and 2.66 GAA.

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Flames Betting Analysis

Meanwhile, the Flames have won six of their last nine games to remain in the Western Conference playoff picture. They are coming off an impressive 3-2 overtime win against the NHL-leading Boston Bruins on Thursday night. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom made a highlight-reel save late in OT to set up Nazem Kadri’s game-winning goal.

“I think we’ve played structured the last two games,” said defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. “It’s more of the Calgary Flames identity the last two games. It helps a lot coming off two big wins, and we’ve got to keep that same mentality going forward.”

"We've played structured the last two games."

MacKenzie Weegar speaks on the play of the group and thoughts on facing the Oilers tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/meUmtluXm2

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 23, 2024

With the NHL trade deadline just over two weeks away, this game could have significant implications. The Flames have three pending UFA defensemen in Tanev, Weegar and Hanifin who are all rumored to be available. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom has also been involved in trade speculation. If the Flames fall to their rivals again, it could accelerate their selling ahead of March 3rd.

Markstrom isn’t Saturday’s projected starting NHL goalie, however, as Dan Vladar has been confirmed as the Flames’ starter. Vladar is 7-7-2 with a lackluster 3.22 GAA this season. However, the backup netminder has a solid .917 save percentage in two career starts against the Oilers.

The Flames will be without forward Andrei Kuzmenko against the Oilers, as the ex-Canuck is battling an illness. Jakob Pelletier, meanwhile, has been absent from the previous four games with an upper-body injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up Saturday against the Oilers.

Oilers vs Flames Prediction

This should be a tightly contested matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Oilers are still one of the NHL’s best teams based on underlying metrics, but their dip in form is a tad concerning. The Flames are trending upwards thanks to improved defensive structure, and they usually play Edmonton tough.

However, the Oilers’ pure talent in McDavid and Draisaitl gives them the ultimate trump card. If Edmonton plays a full 60-minute effort, their offensive firepower should overwhelm Calgary. But if the Flames can slow down McDavid and get strong goaltending from Vladar, they have a shot at the upset.

Ultimately, Calgary’s defensive struggles against the Oilers can’t be ignored. They are giving up over 30 shots per game once again this season, and Edmonton has the superior expected goals percentage over their past 10 games (56%). The Oilers will be motivated to bounce back against a rival they know they can beat.

Battle of Alberta Pick:

Oilers Three-Way Line (-120)

 

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