Pittsburgh Penguins vs
Calgary FlamesPredictions & Preview

Calgary Flames Favored to Defeat Pittsburgh Penguins in Non-Conference Showdown at Scotiabank Saddledome

The Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against the Calgary Stars in a non-conference matchup at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 22nd at 9:30 PM ET. The Penguins, currently fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 3-4-0 record, will take on the first-place Stars from the Pacific Division, who hold a 4-0-1 record. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Calgary is the betting favorite, opening at -110 with the current line at Calgary -120. This will be the first of two games between the two teams.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Penguins +106 | Flames -120
• Spread: Penguins +1.5 (-240) | Flames -1.5 (+200)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Calgary will win straight-up is 55%.

Pittsburgh vs Calgary Stats

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins, currently ranked fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 3-4-0 record, are entering their next game with a renewed focus after suffering two consecutive losses. Center Evgeni has emerged as a standout player, tied for fourth in the league with 11 points. Despite a balanced offensive attack averaging 3.43 goals per game, the team has struggled to find the back of the net in recent games. Their power play has been effective at a 23.8% conversion rate. However, their defense has been concerning, allowing an average of 4.43 goals against per game. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic will start in the upcoming game with a 0-1-0 record, a .861 save percentage, and 5.06 goals per game given up. Pittsburgh's strategy against Calgary will focus on offensive pressure, involving veterans in the game, and improved goaltending to secure a crucial victory. The team currently has several players out with injuries including Matt Nieto, Blake Lizotte, and Vasily Ponomarev. In terms of power rankings, Pittsburgh is ranked 16th overall, 12th in offense, and 28th in defense this season.

Calgary Flames Analysis

The Calgary Flames have started the season strong, currently sitting at the top of the Pacific Division with a record of 4-0-1. Despite a recent overtime loss, the team's offensive output has been impressive, ranking fifth in the league for goals scored. However, areas of improvement include their power play and penalty kill percentages. Goaltender Dusty Wolf has been a standout player, with a stellar goals-against average of 2.02. As they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flames will focus on tightening up defensively and relying on their goaltending to secure a win. The team is navigating through a few injuries but remains in a better position compared to other teams. With both teams vying for crucial points early in the season, Calgary's ability to elevate their game against a talented opponent like Pittsburgh could be pivotal in maintaining their undefeated home record.

Calgary Flames Favored Over Pittsburgh Penguins in Upcoming Game Based on Statistical Analysis

Based on statistical analysis, the Calgary Flames maintain clear advantages in overall performance, goaltending, and offensive efficiency compared to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the upcoming game. Notably, Calgary has demonstrated superior defensive capabilities, allowing an average of only 2.40 goals per game compared to Pittsburgh's 4.43 average. Recent trends further support this assessment, as the Penguins have allowed an average of five goals per game in their past three outings, while the Flames have conceded just 1.3 goals in the same timeframe. Therefore, based on this analysis, it is recommended to consider Calgary as the likely victor in this matchup.

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