We have 7 games on tap for tonight in the NHL. Plenty of games with some large odds, as the Blues, Panthers, and Hurricanes look to stay undefeated. However, the game I’m looking at tonight is that matchup between the Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers.
| Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total | |
| New York Rangers | -150 | -140 | -1.5 (-175) | o5.5 (+100) |
| Calgary Flames | +110 | +120 | +1.5 (+129) | u5.5 (-120) |
The New York Rangers are off to a great start this season with a 4-1-1 record and in first place in the Metropolitan division. This is mainly due to their goaltender, Igor Shersterkin who has a save percentage of .953 and a GSAx of +6.3. The Rangers have struggled offensively averaging just 2.33 goals per game. They have a 47.02 xG % and a 1.71 xGF/ 60 this year. Their lack of scoring could be attributed to their shots on goal per game of 26.7, which is last in the league. All of their games have been low scoring this season which is why the total is 0-5-1 to the under.
The Calgary Flames have had a decent start to the season as well with a 2-1-1 record. Jacob Markstrom has been named the starter in tonight’s matchup. He has a 1-1-1 record on the year with a .924 SV% and a -0.4 GSAx. This is the third game of the Flames east coast road trip winning their first two games against the Red Wings and Capitals. The Flames aren’t exactly a high scoring team either, they rank 20th in GPG with 2.75. They also have an xG% of 51.15 % and a 1.80 xGF/ 60. After dropping the season opener to the rival Oilers, they have played much better. They’ll look to stay hot against a tough New York Rangers squad.
PICK: UNDER 5.5 (-120)
As mentioned above, both of these teams struggle offensively and don’t have much depth besides their top guys. Igor Shersterkin has been only of the best goalies this year. Even though Markstrom hasn’t played as well as Shersterkin, he won’t face as many shots as the Rangers have the lowest attempts per game in the league. If you’re concerned about the Flames having the third highest shots on goal per game, I wouldn’t be. They have a shooting percentage of 7.5c% which is 18th in the league. These teams also have some of the lowest conversion rates on the power play. If Shersterkin plays, which is expected, I like the under in this matchup.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
