Blackhawks vs Flames odds – Calgary vets desperate against young ’Hawks
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Blackhawks vs Flames odds feature one team laden with underachieving veterans and another with talented youngsters. At the NHL trade deadline, many experts deemed Calgary a sexy pick on Stanley Cup odds after some big acquisitions.
The trades didn’t go as planned, though, and the Flames find themselves on the road to open their series with Chicago.
Blackhawks vs Flames odds: Calgary crashing and burning into the postseason
- WHO: Chicago Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames
- WHAT: Best-of-Seven series
- WHEN: Game 1 is Thursday, April 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- WHERE: The United Center in Chicago, Illinois
- KEY STAT: Blackhawks won series 4-0
- THE PICK: Blackhawks in six
As the Flames head into the playoffs, online betting handicappers are wondering if any team could be in worse shape. Flames odds to win the series are fair, but the reality is that the Flames might not be in the right mind set to win a playoff series. Calgary fans watched their team blow a 13-point lead in the Northwest Division down the stretch of the season and played several games with one-to-three skaters short of a full roster (due to salary cap constraints).
The Flames finished up the season with just 15 skaters in two of their last three contests, which is something no NHL team has done since 1986.
Furthermore, Calgary is dealing with a rash of injuries, and players like Dion Phaneuf, Curtis Glencross, Robyn Regehr and Cory Sarich are all listed day-to-day with lower body injuries. Meanwhile Rene Bourque, Mark Giordano, Wayne Primeau and Rhett Warrener are out indefinitely.
Flames betting fans can’t be encouraged about how many players missing time on the ice, nor how the ones on it are playing at the moment. Before you bet Blackhawks vs Flames odds, keep in mind that the Flames’ power play is in an 0-for-43 slump heading in.
It’s supposed to be the young Chicago Blackhawks who are nervous heading into their first playoff appearance since 2002 but they couldn’t be more confident. Blackhawks betting handicappers have been tailing the streaking team to end the season as they finished up 6-0-1 in their final seven games. Furthermore, Chicago knocked off Calgary in all four tries this season.
Not only is the mindset of the two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum, their performances on the road this season couldn’t be more contrary as well.
While Flames betting sharps know their team struggled on the road, finishing just 19-20-2 away from the Pengrowth Saddledome, the Blackhawks were actually one of the best teams on the road this year, compiling a 22-15-4 record. The Blackhawks’ 22 road victories ties a franchise record.
DON’S PICK: Everything is in the Blackhawks’ favor in this series and, even though the Flames have more experience, they aren’t strong enough—mentally or physically—to get to four wins before the Blackhawks do. Bet on the Chicago Blackhawks.
Check out the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for Blackhawks vs Flames odds and NHL sports betting lines for all eight first-round playoff matchups.
Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
