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

Game outlook

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 record, will take on the first-place Stars from the Pacific Division, who hold a 3-4 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 Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins, currently ranked fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 3-4 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.