Two of the most frequently-penalized teams in the league, the Florida Panthers and the Calgary Flames take the ice at the Scotiabank Saddledome for a cross-continent tilt. CiTV will showcase the action, which gets going at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17.
Florida Panthers vs. Calgary Flames Odds
Producing 2.9 units for moneyline bettors, Calgary is 30-28 straight up (SU) overall in the 2017-18 season. That early-season winning percentage isn’t too far off from to the 45-37 record the team produced during the 2016-17 season campaign. Of its 58 regular season contests, 30 have gone under the total, while 27 have gone over and just one has pushed. This season, the team is 13-16 SU at home.
The Flames have converted on just 17.4 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 25th overall in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 17th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.1 percent of all penalties.
As a team, the Flames have been whistled for penalties 4.2 times per game overall this season, 4.4 per game over their past five outings total, and 4.0 per game over their last five at home. The teams had to kill penalties for 11.4 minutes per contest over their last five home games.
Averaging 29.0 saves per game with a .921 save percentage, Mike Smith (24-23-6) has been the best goalkeeper for the Flames this year. If head coach Glen Gulutzan decides to give him a breather, however, the team might turn to David Rittich (7-5-5 record, .921 save percentage, 2.47 goals against average).
Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan will each be offensive focal points for the Flames. Gaudreau (68 points) has produced 19 goals and 49 assists and has recorded multiple points in 19 different games this year. Monahan has 27 goals and 25 assists to his name and has recorded a point in 33 contests.
Florida is 25-29 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 29 of its contests have gone over the total, while 25 have gone under and none have pushed. As the road team so far, the Panthers are 12-17 SU.
The Panthers have converted on 18.5 percent of their power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 17th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.0 percent of all opponent power plays.
Florida’s skaters have been penalized 4.4 times per game this season, and 6.4 per game over their last five road outings. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 19.1 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
James Reimer (3.10 goals against average and .909 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Florida. Reimer is averaging 27.9 saves per game and has 15 wins, 19 losses, and five OT losses to his credit.
Jonathan Huberdeau (18 goals, 35 assists) has been one of the top facilitators on offense for the visiting Panthers.
Florida Panthers vs. Calgary Flames Betting Picks
Free NHL Pick: SU Winner – Panthers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Calgary is 2-5 in games decided by a shootout this season while Florida is 2-3 in shootouts.
- The total has gone over in three of Calgary’s last five outings.
