The Calgary Flames have been one of the league’s best stories over the first couple months of the season. Tonight they’ll welcome a St. Louis Blues team that is nipping at their heels in what’s shaping up to be a very competitive Wild Card race in the Western Conference.
My Blues vs. Flames predictions see the home team relying on what’s gotten them this far and leaning on their goaltending in what should be a tight, low-scoring affair.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for December 5.
Flames vs Blues prediction
My Flames pick
Under 6 (-128 at BET99)
My Flames analysis
The Calgary Flames are off to a terrific start to the season and their ability to keep the puck out of the net is the biggest reason why. They have allowed just 2.81 goals per game this season, which is the seventh-best mark in the NHL.
Youngster Dustin Wolf has emerged as a budding star in net, posting a sparkling .918 save percentage over 13 starts.
Daniel Vladar has also performed very well, as his save percentage (.904) is well above the league average (.894). He has kept opponents to a manageable number on a consistent basis, allowing more than three goals only once since October 28.
Combine consistently strong outings from the two netminders, and the Flames have been able keep games close on a nightly basis, allowing for them to win more than their fair share of games while often picking up extra points in defeat.
The Flames haven’t made a ton of noise offensively, but they haven’t needed to. Instead, head coach Ryan Huska has the team playing to their strengths and relying on smart puck management and quality goaltending to make the difference for them.
The Flames have done their best work on home soil, completely neutering opposing offenses. Opponents have averaged just 2.04 goals per game in Calgary, the fourth-lowest rate in the league. That’s a big reason why the Flames own a remarkable 10-3-0 home record this season.
They should be able to keep the scoring down Thursday night against a St. Louis Blues team that has labored offensively. St. Louis currently sits tied for 26th in goals per game, 28th in power play percentage, and 29th in shots on goal.
While a change behind the bench should provide a spark, the Blues are similar to the Flames in that limiting turnovers and relying on their strong goaltending tandem will probably be their best path to victory.
With two teams following the same formula, fireworks are unlikely in this one.
Flames vs Blues same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 6
Robert Thomas Under 2.5 shots on goal
Mikael Backlund Over 2.5 shots on goal
Robert Thomas isn’t much of a shooter. He averages just 2.1 shots on 4.4 attempts this season and has cleared 2.5 shots only 36% of the time.
The Flames are a far from ideal opponent for a center hoping to ramp up his shooting volume. They have done a great job of protecting the middle of the ice and limiting shots to centers of late. In fact, only the Edmonton Oilers have allowed fewer shots per game to the position over the last 10.
On the flip side, Mikael Backlund’s volume is trending in the right direction — particularly at home. He has cleared 2.5 shots in five of his past six home games. Of his most recent unders in Calgary, three of the four came against playoff bound teams in Winnipeg, Edmonton, and New Jersey.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Flames vs Blues odds
Flames vs Blues live odds
Flames vs Blues opening odds
- Puck line: Calgary -1.5 | St. Louis +1.5
- Moneyline: Calgary -127 | St. Louis +113
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Odds courtesy of BET99
Flames vs Blues trend
Only nine of Calgary’s last 26 games have gone Over the total. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Blues.
How to watch Flames vs Blues
| Location: | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-5-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN1 |
Flames vs Blues latest injuries
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