The Calgary Flames have been more than just a touch unlucky this season with an NHL-low PDO at 5-on-5 despite solid underlying numbers.
They face the Chicago Blackhawks tonight, and my Flames vs. Blackhawks predictions expect the puck luck to flip in Calgary's favor.
Here are my NHL picks for November 18.
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Flames vs Blackhawks prediction
Flames vs Blackhawks Best bet: Flames moneyline (-110)
The Calgary Flames are doing a lot right relative to their 5-12-3 that’s positioned them in the basement of the NHL. Calgary ranks fourth in Corsi For percentage and fifth in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5, and the Flames have also allowed the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
It’s been a lack of offense that’s held Calgary back, with the Flames sporting a league-low 6.6 team shooting percentage at 5-on-5 while also ranking last in power-play percentage with an 11.9% mark.
The Calgary PP should have a few kicks at the can tonight, with the Chicago Blackhawks averaging the third-most shorthanded time per game (6:03).
Additionally, Chicago rising star Spencer Knight maintaining an elite .924 save percentage in net is likely asking too much. He’s posted a .915 mark across his past seven starts, which includes a .904 SV% through three home games.
Knight’s spectacular play has glossed over the poor 5-on-5 play in front of him, too. The Hawks rank 28th in both CF% and xGF%, and Chicago has the highest PDO in the league.
While statistical correction might not strike at the United Center, these two teams are both sporting unsustainable 5-on-5 numbers, so I like Calgary eking out a road win, given Chicago’s highlighted underlying struggles.
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Flames vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
As highlighted, there’s a strong case for the Under with Calgary scoring so infrequently while also surrendering the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. Additionally, I’m not anticipating Knight falling off a statistical cliff.
He’s pacing the NHL in goals saved above expected with exactly 19 through 13 games, after all.
Calgary defenseman Rasmus Andersson is positioned perfectly in the shots market tonight. The Blackhawks allow the most shots per game to opposing defensemen, the most shots per game overall, and the most shots per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
Andersson also ranks in the 97th percentile of defensemen in shots on goal and has recorded two or more in 12 of 20 games while logging a career-high 24:17 of ice time per night.
Flames vs Blackhawks SGP
- Flames moneyline
- Under 5.5
- Rasmus Andersson Over 1.5 shots on goal
Flames vs Blackhawks odds
- Moneyline: Flames -110 | Blackhawks -110
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+225) | Blackhawks +1.5 (-280)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125) | Under 5.5 (+105)
Flames vs Blackhawks trend
The Chicago Blackhawks have only won 28 of their last 82 games (-7.50 Units / -9% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Blackhawks.
How to watch Flames vs Blackhawks
| Location | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Tuesday, November 18, 2025 |
| Puck drop | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet West, CHSN |
Flames vs Blackhawks latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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