At the onset of their playoff series, the Flames and Oilers carried different labels. Calgary is known for being tough, physical, heavy, and disciplined. Edmonton was said to be all about skill and finesse. Further, the Oilers were ripped for lacking defensive depth and goaltending. Calgary was the understandable favorite for a dominant regular season. But now the NHL betting odds script is flipped. Should Edmonton win at Calgary on Thursday night, they will clinch the series. Edmonton has surprised everyone with its stronger-than-expected defense. Additionally, the Flames have lost their discipline and structure.
2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames Game 5
| Date and Time: | Thursday, May 26, 2022, 9:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oilers | +1½ (-210) | 6½ (-115) | +120 |  |
| Flames | -1½ (+175) | 6½ (-105) | -140 | |
| ||||
Oilers Take Command of Series
On Tuesday, Edmonton beat Calgary 5-3 in game four to take a 3-1 lead in this best of seven series. In the beginning, the Oilers jumped all over the Flames to take a 3-0 lead in the first period. But Calgary rallied to tie the game midway through the third period. With the pressure on full blast for both teams, Ryan Nugent Hopkins lit the lamp for Edmonton at the 16:33 mark. And then Evander Kane stuck in the dagger at 19:35 to seal the deal for the Oil.
It was another bad night for Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who allowed four goals on 21 shots. Edmonton’s Mike Smith was marginally better, with three goals allowed on 29 shots.
SBG Odds Analysis – A Crisis of Faith
Now, Calgary faces increased sportsbook doubts about its ability to get past this series. Casual gamblers have been completely caught off guard. The conventional wisdom was that the Flames’ heavy hockey would wear down the Oilers. Instead, the Oilers are finding holes in the Flames’ defense. Edmonton is not getting great goaltending. But the Oilers are getting better netminding than expected from Mike Smith.
Of course, the Flames will be favored for game five on home ice. Calgary was the second seed in the West and will be fighting to stay alive on home ice. And the Flames have enough going for them to make for a credible favorite. However, their confidence and psyche have to be a concern to gamblers.
Goaltending Matchup Goes to the Oil
So far in the playoffs, Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom has been off his game. In the regular season, Markstrom had a save percentage of .922. But in the playoffs, he has slipped to .906. Most important of all, Markstrom has a terrible .884 save percentage in this series. His confidence has to be shaken.
By contrast, Mike Smith has improved his game in the playoffs. Smith has a playoff save percentage of .931 compared to .915 in the regular season.
Nobody Stands Out for the Flames
Of major concern for the Flames is that none of their players have the hot hand in the playoffs. Calgary is using a score-by-committee approach, and it isn’t working. By contrast, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evander Kane are all delivering for the Oil.
Oilers at Flames SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Edmonton will bring confidence and is a live NHL betting road dog at a favorable price and value.
Oilers at Flames SBG Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers.