Game Preview Calgary Flames @ Detroit Red Wings
The Calgary Flames head to Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to take on the Detroit Red Wings in a key East vs West battle. Both clubs are looking to gain consistency as the season approaches its midway point. Calgary has picked up its form after a tough October, while Detroit continues to battle through streaky stretches that have impacted their playoff push in the Eastern Conference.
The Flames are hovering around .500 but have tightened up their play both offensively and in net. Detroit, meanwhile, has suffered from inconsistent special teams play and defensive breakdowns, though their top line continues to generate chances.
This midweek game has important implications for bettors looking to find value in moneyline, totals, and player props. Updated odds, betting splits, and puck line performance can be found on the NHL scores and odds page.
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Odds and Key Information Table
CategoryDetailsMatchupCalgary Flames @ Detroit Red WingsDate and TimeWednesday, December 10, 2025 – 7:00 PM ETLocationLittle Caesars Arena, Detroit, MIOpening LineFlames -115, Red Wings -105Over/Under6.5 goalsCalgary Record13-12-4Detroit Record14-13-1TV CoverageESPN+, SNWLast MeetingMarch 2025 – Detroit 4, Calgary 3 (SO)
Calgary Flames Outlook
The Flames have shown improvement over the past three weeks, going 5-2-2 in their last nine games. Calgary’s recent form has been driven by improved defensive zone play, better goaltending from Jacob Markstrom, and more balanced scoring from the top three lines.
Nazem Kadri leads the team in points, while Jonathan Huberdeau has quietly been one of the more efficient playmakers at 5-on-5. Youngsters like Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil have added energy and secondary production, giving the Flames more versatility across matchups. The power play remains middle of the pack at 19.2 percent, but the penalty kill has jumped to 83.4 percent over the last ten games.
Markstrom enters this game with a .915 save percentage and has allowed two or fewer goals in four of his last five starts. Calgary has also improved on the road, going 4-2 in its last six away from home. Structurally, the Flames have simplified their transition game and are generating more offensive zone time than earlier in the season.
To compare Calgary’s position within the Western Conference race, check the updated Pacific Division odds preview.
Detroit Red Wings Outlook
The Red Wings remain one of the NHL’s most volatile teams this season. At 14-13-1, they sit in the middle of the Atlantic Division pack and are coming off a 2-4 stretch that has raised more questions about their defensive identity. Detroit ranks 23rd in goals against per game (3.31) and has given up 13 goals over their last three home games.
Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat continue to lead the offense, combining for over 60 points this season. Lucas Raymond has been a bright spot on the wing, and the Red Wings’ top six can generate scoring chances when they’re controlling the pace. However, depth scoring has dried up, and the third and fourth lines have struggled to create momentum at even strength.
Goaltending has been inconsistent. Ville Husso is expected to start, but he’s carrying a .891 save percentage and has allowed three or more goals in five of his last six appearances. Detroit’s penalty kill is below league average at 77.9 percent and has allowed a power play goal in four straight games.
For more on Detroit’s divisional status and how it affects betting value, visit the Atlantic Division betting blog.
Key Matchup
The critical matchup in this game will be Calgary’s forecheck against Detroit’s transition game. The Flames have been highly effective in slowing zone exits and creating turnovers along the wall. This has allowed them to control pace and pin opponents in their own zone for long stretches.
Detroit has struggled with defensive gap control and often gives up high-danger scoring chances off the rush. If Calgary continues to pressure with its second and third lines, Detroit may have trouble containing puck movement below the hash marks.
Special teams will also play a role. Detroit’s penalty kill ranks in the bottom ten and has shown no signs of correcting structural issues, especially when defending seam passes. Calgary has the power play edge and could exploit this with net-front traffic and quick puck movement from the half wall.
For more analytics-based matchup previews, visit the expert NHL betting guide.
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Betting Trends
Calgary is 6-3 against the spread in its last nine games and 4-2 ATS in its last six road games. The under has hit in six of their last eight matchups, as improved defensive play and solid goaltending have kept scores tighter.
Detroit is 2-5 in its last seven games overall and 1-4 ATS in its last five home games. The over has hit in four of their last six due to defensive struggles and poor penalty killing. Detroit is also 3-7 in games where they allow the first goal.
Calgary has won four of the last six meetings between the two teams, and the under has hit in five of those contests. For more updated trends and betting edges, review the current NHL picks and predictions.
Prediction
While both teams have talent, Calgary enters this game with more structure, better form, and an advantage in goal. The Flames have been trending in the right direction on the road and match up well against a Detroit team that struggles to defend against aggressive forechecks.
Unless the Red Wings get a bounce-back performance from Husso, Calgary has the tools to control possession and capitalize on special teams. Detroit’s defensive lapses and reliance on top-line scoring are concerns against a Calgary team that can roll four lines.
Final score prediction: Calgary Flames 3, Detroit Red Wings 2
Top pick: Calgary ML (-115)
Total lean: Under 6.5 goals
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