Flames vs Ducks

The Flames head into Anaheim riding a three-game winning streak, and with a thin margin in the crowded Western Conference Wild Card race, expect them to come out firing with full playoff-mode intensity. The Ducks, on the other hand, have dropped four of their last five games, looking disorganized at both ends of the ice. Calgary's roster continuity and recent chemistry give them an edge, especially with the Ducks missing key defenseman Olen Zellweger to injury. Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau, who’s historically dominated Anaheim with over a point per game in their last six meetings, is heating up again, skating alongside Nazem Kadri, who is finding rhythm late in the season.  While the betting line at -145 doesn’t provide massive value, the combination of momentum, injury advantages, and postseason motivation makes the Flames worth backing here. The pick gets a B grade due to the medium price and slightly inconsistent road performance this season.

The Ducks, meanwhile, have dropped four straight and continue to struggle offensively, managing just 1.75 goals per game over that span. Injuries on both sides may also put a cap on scoring—Calgary is still without Andrei Kuzmenko (upper body), and Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras has yet to resurface from his IR stint, stalling their power play. Historically, Rasmus Andersson and Elias Lindholm (a Duck now via trade) have had underwhelming offensive showings in games between these Pacific foes, which has often led to defensive tilts. With playoff hopes faint but technically alive for Calgary, expect a tighter, more careful game that leans on shutdown play rather than risk-taking. The over/under is set at 6, and given the recent goal droughts, lack of firepower, and overall win-or-bust mentality, we’re leaning the Under here. It earns a B- for confidence—not the most lucrative bet, but solid value in a low-scoring setting. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Blazing into the final stretch of the season, the Calgary Flames are hungry to lock up critical points against a fading Anaheim squad. The Ducks, winless in their last four and showing signs of fatigue, arrive in Alberta with Trevor Zegras day-to-day—his status uncertain following a lower-body tweak last week. Meanwhile, the Flames—riding a two-game win streak—continue to lean on the veteran production of Jonathan Huberdeau, who has notched 6 points in his last five games and historically plays well against the Quack Pack. Calgary also has a defensive advantage as MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson have been quietly silencing top lines over the past month. Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal has struggled on the road, especially against teams flirting with playoff contention like the Flames, who need every point to maintain a shot at a Wild Card. Considering form, health, and motivation—all tilting toward the C of Red—Calgary covering the -1.5 puckline is a decent value bet, though far from a lock, earning it a Grade B-.  
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