The Colorado Avalanche (31-22-2) will visit the Calgary Flames (26-20-7) at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday night in what promises to be a pivotal Western Conference wild card matchup.
The Avalanche enter the contest holding the top wild card spot, powered by their dynamic offense that averages 3.20 goals per game and features the explosive duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Casey Middlestadt, who have combined for an impressive 29 goals and 83 assists this season.
Calgary counters with a defensive-minded approach, allowing just 2.96 goals per game behind the stellar play of goaltender Dustin Wolf, who boasts a .914 save percentage and 2.58 goals-against average.
While both teams have shown streaky form recently, with Colorado scoring 10 goals in their last three games compared to Calgary's six, this matchup could ultimately come down to which team's strength prevails - the Avalanche's high-powered offense or the Flames' stalwart defense.
The game also carries significant playoff implications, as both teams look to solidify their positions in the tight Western Conference wild card race.
As these two familiar foes prepare to face off in what could be a preview of a potential playoff series, fans can expect an intense battle between two teams with contrasting styles but equally compelling aspirations for postseason success.
Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche: who will win?
For tonight's Flames vs Avalanche matchup, our predictive model gives the Avs a 66% chance of defeating the Flames.
Colorado Avalanche: 66% win probability
- Superior offensive output (177 goals for vs Flames' 144)
- Better overall record (31 wins vs Flames' 26)
- Higher points total (64 points vs Flames' 59)
Calgary Flames: 34% win probability
- Struggling defense (158 goals against vs Avalanche's league average)
- Inconsistent recent form (LWLWL in last 5 games)
- Lower scoring efficiency (144 goals for in 53 games, 2.72 goals/game)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche odds
| Calgary Flames | Colorado Avalanche | |
|---|---|---|
| moneyline | +140 (via BetMGM Sportsbook) | -156 (via FanDuel Sportsbook) |
Key stats
- 1The Calgary Flames have won 26 out of 53 matches this season.
- 2The Colorado Avalanche have won 31 out of 55 matches this season.
- 3With 59 points, the Calgary Flames holds the 8th position in the league standings.
- 4Colorado Avalanche's 64 points place them 6th in the rankings.
Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche form
Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche head to head
Calgary Flames
17%
Colorado Avalanche
83%
Mar 13, 2024
Calgary Flames
2 : 6
Colorado Avalanche
Dec 12, 2023
Colorado Avalanche
6 : 5
Calgary Flames
Nov 26, 2023
Colorado Avalanche
3 : 1
Calgary Flames
Feb 26, 2023
Colorado Avalanche
4 : 1
Calgary Flames
Jan 19, 2023
Calgary Flames
1 : 4
Colorado Avalanche
Oct 14, 2022
Calgary Flames
5 : 3
Colorado Avalanche
