Anaheim rallied in overtime and beat Calgary 5-4 on Monday to lead the NHL Betting series 3-0 and leave the Flames on the brink of going out like a candle in the wind. Shea Theodore scored twice and Nick Ritchie and Nate Thompson had goal each, but it was Corey Perry who scored the game-winning goal 1:30 into OT – his first postseason goal since early 2015 – assisted by forward Rickard Rakell. John Gibson allowed four goals on 16 shots and was pulled out for Jonathan Bernier who made 16 saves. But hey, if the Ducks could come back from 3-goal deficit, the Flames can come back from a 3-game deficit, right? … right?
Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames NHL betting preview
Time: 10:05
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome
Sportsbook odds for fans who bet on hockey:
Ducks +1½ (-315) 5 (-145) -110
Flames -1½ (+258) 5 (+125) -110
Anaheim
Recent form: The Ducks have won their last seven games in a row going back to the last four of the regular season. Additionally, they have won four of their last six on the road and their last five straight against the Flames.
News: Defenseman Sami Vatanen sat out game 3 on Sunday and is on a day-to-day basis. The Ducks’ advantage in the series may have led to Vatanen resting a few more days to rest in advance of Game 4 tonight. Cam Fowler, Simon Despres, and forward Ryan Garbutt will be out.
Trends for fans who bet on hockey: The Ducks are 8-4 against the spread in the last 12 games but have covered in seven of their last eight on the road and 10 of their last 13 versus the Flames. The NHL betting total has gone over in nine of Anaheim’s last 11 games road games against Calgary.
Calgary
Recent form: The Flames have lost six of their last seven overall games though they are 10-4 in their last 14 at home. Unfortunately for them, home advantage hasn’t meant much against the Ducks; they have been on the losing end in six of their last seven times hosting Anaheim.
News: Head coach Glen Gulutzan has kept mum on whether he’ll leave goalie Brian Elliott in or switch to Chad Johnson. “We always let our goalies know by 5 o’clock.” Gulutzan said. hey, it’s gotta be five o’clock somewhere, right? “Well, (Elliott)’s battled. He’s done what he’s done all year in a smaller time frame.” The rest of the squad is hoping for a new lease on life. “We talked amongst each other but at times like this there isn’t much that can be said, it’s do or die,” said Sean Monahan.
Trends for fans who bet on hockey: The spread hasn’t been too kind to the Flames either, whether at home or otherwise. Calgary is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games against the Ducks, and have covered only in one of the last five occasions when they have received Anaheim. The NHL betting total has gone over in five of the Flames’ last six home games.