By: Kim Smith Published 01/29/2026, 07:15 AM ET 
The Calgary Flames travel to Minnesota to face the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night at Grand Casino Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 8:00 PM ET and the game airing on ESPN+. Minnesota enters this matchup as a sizable home favorite at -218 on the moneyline, while Calgary comes back at +180. The total is set at 5.5 goals, with the over priced at -130 and the under at +110, and the puck line lists the Flames at +1.5 (-142) against the Wild at -1.5 (+120). This Western Conference matchup brings together a Calgary team trying to stop the bleeding and a Minnesota squad looking to solidify its standing near the top of the division. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert analysis.
Sign Up for Winners and Whiners News Alerts, Get Exclusive Offers and Discounts
Subscribe Now
I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Winners and Whiners may use third-party services to process my data.
Terms & Conditions Calgary Flames Searching for Stability Away From Home
The Calgary Flames enter this contest with a 21-25-6 overall record and have struggled mightily on the road, posting an 8-16-2 mark away from home. Calgary’s season has been defined by inconsistency, particularly when playing away from the Saddledome. Over their last five games, the Flames have recently lost in overtime to Anaheim and New Jersey, dropped regulation games against Washington and Pittsburgh, and managed a home win over the Islanders. That stretch highlights a team that has been competitive in spots but unable to sustain momentum.
From a statistical perspective, Calgary has had difficulty generating consistent offense. The Flames are averaging just 2.50 goals per game while allowing 2.96, numbers that place them near the bottom of the Western Conference offensively. Shot volume has been relatively even, with Calgary putting up 28.8 shots per game and allowing 29.0, suggesting that the issue has been finishing rather than chance creation. Too often, strong stretches of play have gone unrewarded on the scoreboard.
Special teams have been a mixed bag for Calgary. Their power play has converted at just 15.8 percent, which has limited their ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes. On the positive side, the penalty kill has been excellent at 83.7 percent, and the Flames have not allowed a single shorthanded goal. Discipline, however, remains a concern, as Calgary’s 643 penalty minutes frequently put them under sustained pressure. Against a dangerous Minnesota power play, that tendency could be costly.
Minnesota Wild Looking to Control the Pace at Home
The Minnesota Wild come into Thursday night with a strong 30-14-10 overall record and have been especially tough to beat at home, where they hold a 15-6-7 mark. Minnesota has leaned on balanced scoring and timely special teams play throughout the season, making them one of the more complete teams in the conference. In their last five games, the Wild have recently beaten Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto, while also dropping overtime games to Florida and Montreal. That stretch reflects a team consistently picking up points even when not at its best.
Offensively, Minnesota has been one of the more productive teams in the league, averaging 3.17 goals per game. The Wild generate 28.8 shots per contest and have shown an ability to score both off the rush and through sustained zone pressure. Defensively, they allow 2.85 goals per game, a respectable number that reflects solid structure rather than overwhelming physicality.
Special teams are a major edge for Minnesota in this matchup. The Wild power play has been lethal, converting at a 24.0 percent rate with 43 goals on the season. While their penalty kill sits at a lower 77.1 percent, Minnesota often mitigates that weakness by limiting penalties and controlling possession at five-on-five. At home, their ability to dictate tempo and deploy favorable matchups gives them a clear advantage against teams that struggle with discipline.
Calgary Flames vs Minnesota Wild PickCalgary Flames vs Minnesota Wild Pick Minnesota Wild -218 (Moneyline)
Minnesota’s consistency at home and significant edge on special teams make them the safer side in this matchup. Calgary’s road struggles and offensive inefficiency are difficult to overlook, especially against a Wild team that excels at capitalizing on mistakes. While the Flames’ penalty kill has been strong, the sheer volume of penalties they take increases the likelihood that Minnesota’s power play eventually breaks through. Laying the heavy price is not ideal, but Minnesota is the more reliable team to come away with the win.
Calgary Flames vs Minnesota Wild Total Pick
I’m leaning toward the under here because Calgary’s offensive limitations often keep games tight, even against stronger opponents. Minnesota is comfortable protecting leads and slowing the pace once ahead, particularly at home. With Calgary relying on low-event hockey and Minnesota unlikely to push tempo unnecessarily if they control the game, this matchup sets up well for a total that stays below 5.5 goals.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Wild 3, Calgary Flames 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Wednesday.
Spend $25 Get $50 in Coins
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus 
Get up to 103 SC + 20,500 GC for FREE with Legendz!
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus 
100% purchase match for up to 100 in Onyx Cash Free Picks
Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus