Monday marks the first of three times in which the Flames and Avalanche will meet in the next two weeks. At this point in the season, the fate of both teams is just about sealed. It is more a matter of whether the Flames have a good chance of winning the draft lottery and whether the Avs win the Presidents’ Trophy. 

While this game appears fairly inconsequential in the grand scheme, the Flames are playing hard right now. Calgary is not going down quietly and if their last six games are any indication, they will make Colorado earn it.

Flames vs. Avalanche NHL Betting Odds

There are no surprises on the NHL odds. The Avalanche are heavy favourites, carrying -350 on the moneyline and -140 odds to cover -1.5 goals. The Flames are +280 to win outright and +115 to cover +1.5. On the game total, the over 6.0 is -120 and the under is +100. 

The Avalanche have proven to be human in the second half of the season. Even still, they have won four out of their last five games as part of an 11-5-1 record since the Olympic break. That contributes to an NHL-best 106 points this year, seven points clear of the next best team. Colorado is and should be heavy favourites in this one.

Calgary Flames

The Flames have played some great hockey lately. In a season with some low-lows, they have had stretches of really solid play. Calgary’s current 5-0-1 run in their last six games is one of those stretches. 

What could bite the Flames is they are going on the road for this game as the start of a six-game road trip. Calgary’s recent strong play has all been at home where they are 21-12-5. It is a different story on the road where the Flames have dropped six out of their last seven as part of a 10-22-3 road record this season. The Flames have their work cut out for them.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are, well, the Avalanche. They have been the best team in hockey since the first drop of the puck this season. This is a dominant team that has a favourable matchup against any team in hockey. The Flames should not be an exception. 

As well as the long term results have been this season, the Avalanche also find themselves in a stretch of solid play. Colorado won four out of their last five games by nine total goals, or 2.25 goals per game. They are back to bullying teams and being at home only amplifies their advantage.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Flames vs. Avalanche?

On paper, the Avalanche do not have much to play for. They are all but a formality to win the Presidents’ Trophy and clinch home-ice advantage all throughout the playoffs. But their incentive on Monday comes in the form of poor recent play at home. The last thing this team wants is to limp into the playoffs with poor home play. 

Colorado has dropped four out of their last five games played at home. That was unfathomable halfway through the season. Despite recent struggles, the Avs are 23-7 at home with a +45 goal differential. The Flames are playing well. But for all intents and purposes, the Avs are the better team and will play with added urgency. Look for a convincing 5-2 Colorado win.