Flames vs Stars Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Slump Buster

The Central Division’s Dallas Stars will host the Pacific Division’s Calgary Flames in a Western Conference tilt on Monday. Calgary looks to snap its five-game losing streak during a rematch of a 2022 first-round playoff series.

Will the Flames turn things around? Or can the Stars extend their winning streak to four games? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Flames vs. Stars.

Flames vs Stars best odds

Flames vs Stars picks and predictions

Things could not be going much worse for the Calgary Flames. They've lost five straight games, and the team was booed off its own ice after Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

However, the playoffs are still within reach for a squad due for positive regression. Calgary ranks 10th in the league in goals for per 60 minutes at five-on-five, but eighth in xGF/60.

Defensively, the Flames rank 16th in the NHL in goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five, but fourth in xGA/60. This club is full of talented players, and its 27-23-13 record doesn't reflect the squad's on-ice performance nightly.

So, why is Calgary currently on the outside looking in? The primary culprit is goaltending, which has been terrible for the Flames all season.

Goaltender Jacob Markstrom will likely guard the cage for Calgary on Monday night. It's been tough sledding for him overall in 2022-23, but this contest could be the matchup when things turn around. Markstrom is 5-3 with a remarkable .940 save percentage and 1.59 goals-against average over his last eight starts against the Dallas Stars.

That tremendous stretch of goaltending against Dallas could continue on Monday, as the Stars rank in the bottom half of the league in xGF/60 at 5-on-5. The team is lower than the Flames in both that category and in xGA/60.

Calgary is a good team that's been the victim of terrible goaltending. But with Markstrom’s track record against the Stars, the Flames could turn things around on Monday night.

My best bet: Flames ML (+110 at BetMGM)

Flames vs Stars moneyline analysis

The better goalie overall in this matchup still plays for the Stars, with Jake Oettinger projected to get the nod. Oettinger is 26-8-10 with a .922 SV% and 2.31 GAA while putting together a monstrous season.

Oettinger is the main reason for the Stars being priced as favorites in this matchup, along with the team being at home. His underlying metrics are magnificent, ranking sixth among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

However, Oettinger has endured some tougher starts recently. He's posted an .887 SV% and 3.18 GAA over his last five outings.

Calgary has won seven of the last 10 meetings between these two clubs, a trend that could continue on Monday evening.

Flames vs Stars Over/Under analysis

I lean toward the Under in this contest, but I'm more confident in just backing the Flames to win at plus money. The Under is typically a strong bet during the Stars' games this season, as it's gone 36-22 on the campaign.

Oettinger’s play and the Stars’ thin offense outside of their top line are the primary reasons for that trend. However, taking the Under during Calgary's games has been risky due to the team's inconsistent goaltending.

Markstrom’s strong performances against Dallas make me believe he can rise up in this contest, which should lead to the Under hitting. But the Flames are a better play on the moneyline at plus money than taking the Under at six.

Flames vs Stars betting trend to know

Calgary has won seven of the last 10 meetings between these two clubs. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Stars. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs Stars.

Flames vs Stars game info

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