Welcome to this edition of NHL predictions. Each day, the writing team here at Last Word On Hockey provides our in-depth analysis. We break down key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make a prediction on how things may play out. Be sure to check some of our other NHL Predictions as we continue this season. For this edition, we’ll focus on the first game back to action for both the Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks.
NHL Predictions: Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks
Season Series: Calgary Leads 2-1
How to Watch:
USA: NBCSCA, ESPN+, NHL Center Ice
Canada: Sportsnet One, Sportsnet+
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 8 p.m. MST
Calgary Flames Looking for Goals
We open this edition of NHL predictions with the Flames looking to win the season series against the Sharks, as this is the final meeting of the season. The Flames won the last meeting on Jan. 31 with a final score of 3-2. Dustin Wolf is the likely starter for the Flames as per practice lines provided by Pat Steinberg. The Flames come back to action with a 4-4-2 record in their last ten games before the break. That includes the win over the Edmonton Oilers in their last time out.
Matt Coronato leads the Flames in goals with 14 on the season. He’ll be looking to get back into the groove of things after the break. The Flames hold one of the most insane streaks in NHL history. They have won the last 51 straight games when they score four or more goals in a game. The issue is scoring. Calgary ranks dead last in the NHL in goals with 140.
The Flames will also be without the services of Jonathan Huberdeau for the remainder of the season. Calgary shut-down their forward for hip resurfacing surgery and placed him on Injured Reserve when the roster freeze ended. With Huberdeau exiting the lineup, the powerplay will get a new look with Kadri, Gridin, Coronato, Farabee, and Weegar as the first unit.
Sharks Hopeful Celebrini Brings Olympic Play
Without question, the most impressive young player that Canada has ever brought to an Olympic Games is Macklin Celebrini. The San Jose Sharks franchise turned almost instantly when Celebrini got to the NHL. He is fourth in the NHL in points this season with 81. He has been involved in 75% of the Sharks’ goals. However, there is a possibility that Celebrini will be held out of this game after returning from Olympics. Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to get the start in net for the Sharks. Always check the team’s social media for the most up-to-date lineups. The Sharks re-enter play a number of points back of the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference. In their last ten games before the break they went 4-5-1.
Prediction
Both sides could be rusty coming back from a long two-week hiatus, which could lead to a crazy game filled with uncharacteristic mistakes, leading to scoring opportunities. However, the Flames are able to shut down Macklin Celebrini and come away with the win.
Prediction: Flames win 4-2
Best Bets
Always verify current lines and player status before betting or finalizing fantasy rosters
For today’s best bets, we’ll take a look at the over/under, which is set at 6.5. We’ll be taking the under for this one. On the Flames side, look for Matt Coronato for an anytime goal. For the Sharks lean into a multi point game for Celebrini.
Main Photo Sergei Belski Imagn Images
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