While it is still relatively early in the season, seeing these teams with just 3 combined victories is a little surprising. At this point, we don’t know who will turn things around, and when that will take place. With that being said, there are two relatively large variables that initially jump out here.
While Jakob Markstrom has a 1-4-1 record for Calgary, his GAA of 2.67 and .906 save percentage could be a lot worse. They come in stark contrast to the struggles that Stuart Skinner has experienced in the net so far this year for the Oilers. The other elephant in the room is whether or not Connor McDavid will take the ice. McDavid did practice in full on Saturday, but he still remains as day-to-day, and this ultimately will be a game-time decision based on how he feels leading up to puck drop. It goes without saying that the line could be drastically impacted by that news. The good news for Edmonton is that they have other forwards, such as Leon Draisaitl, who can generate offense, but McDavid is clearly a large part of what they do. From Calgary’s perspective, things are not as flashy offensively, but the talent is there for them to at least keep things close.
Flames +1.5 (-180) available at time of publishing. Playable to -200.
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