The eighth and final second-round ticket will be punched Sunday night when the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars square off in Game 7 of their Western Conference first round at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger stayed hot, stopping 36 shots, and defenseman Miro Heiskanen snapped a 2-all tie late in the second period that served as the game-winning goal and paid out for Stars moneyline bettors (+140).
Tyler Seguin sealed the 4-2 win with an empty-net goal that also cashed in for Over bettors (+115) for just the second time in the series.
Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom again played well, making 36 saves as well. Defenseman Michael Stone had a goal and an assist in Game 6.
Flames vs Stars Game 7 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. ET from Caesars Sportsbook (unless noted).
- Moneyline: Flames (-190) / Stars (+160)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+140) / Stars +1.5 (-160)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+115) / Under 5.5 (-135)
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Flames vs Stars Game 7 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 7 Pick
Flames 3, Stars 1
Expect a tight, low-scoring game in Calgary again, where the teams have combined for just seven goals in three games.
All the pressure will be on the Flames, the Pacific Division top seed who haven’t won a playoff series with home-ice advantage since the 1989 Stanley Cup final. Calgary hasn’t sealed a series win on home ice since 2015. It is 0-4 in best-of-7 series since.
Still, Calgary is the better team and should come out with renewed fervor on home ice. Oettinger has been awesome — he leads all qualifying playoff goalies in save percentage (.956) — but Markstrom has equal to the task too with a .945 save percentage that only trails Oettinger.
Flames vs Stars Game 7 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (-135)
WAGER: 2 Units
Game 7s are typically tight-checking, low-scoring games, and we expect this one to be no different. In three games in Calgary, the teams have combined for just seven goals and 38 high-danger scoring chances, as opposed to 17 goals and 106 high-danger chances in the three games in Dallas, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The Stars surely want this to be low-scoring. Dallas coach Rick Bowness, a veteran of more than 600 games who has coached in the NHL for more than 30 years, also is surely aware that low-event hockey is best in Game 7, especially as the underdog.
Calgary coach Darryl Sutter, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, must be aware that playing mistake-free is essential this time of year and is doubly true in Game 7.
Flames vs Stars Game 7 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+240) at BetMGM Sportsbook
- Flames Moneyline
- Under 1.5 First-Period Goals
- Under 5.5 Goals
WAGER: 1 Unit
This parlay worked in Game 5, and with the series moving back to Calgary — where, as we said above, low-event hockey is reigning — the only real question is whether the Flames will do what it takes to win.
If you like Dallas to pull off the Game 7 upset, the odds jump to (+400). But we think Calgary finds a way to advance.
PREVIOUSLY: Flames vs Stars Game 6 Prediction
The Calgary Flames got off the mat in the third period Wednesday and will now look to close out the Dallas Stars in Game 6 at American Airlines Center on Friday.
Calgary was trailing by a goal in the third period and mired in a 160:01 scoreless drought. They were staring at a 3-2 hole, yet struck for three third-period goals in its 3-1 win that cashed in for Under bettors (-125) for the fourth time in five games.
The Flames finally got some depth scoring from their second line, with forward Andrew Mangiapane (35 regular-season goals, 55 points) chipping in a goal and an assist for his first points of the playoffs. Center Mikael Backlund also scored, and Trevor Lewis added an empty-netter that puck line bettors (+125) undoubtedly went crazy for.
Forward Jason Robertson scored Dallas’ only goal, and goalie Jake Oettinger once again was spectacular, stopping 29 shots in defeat. The Stars netminder leads all qualifying goalies with a .956 save percentage and has stopped 83 of 86 shots faced in Calgary (.965).
Flames vs Stars Game 6 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Thursday, May 12 at 10 a.m. ET, at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Flames (-160) / Stars (+140)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+170) / Stars +1.5 (-200)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+115) / Under 5.5 (-135)
Flames vs Stars Game 6 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 6 Pick
Flames 3, Stars 2
You have to believe the Stars will come out with full force and might even score first again. But Calgary, which hasn’t won in a series with home-ice advantage since the 1989 Cup final, looks like a different team this year — one that’s not going to let another upstart like Dallas ruing its Cup dreams in the first round.
The Flames easily could’ve wilted either in Game 4, which they entered trailing 2-1 in the best-of-7 series, or in Game 5, after losing 1-0 after two periods, en route to bowing out at the hands of another underdog. But Calgary salvaged its season in both instances and appears poised to make noise this postseason.
Take Calgary to close out Dallas in a close one, maybe even in overtime.
Flames vs Stars Game 6 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (-135) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
The odds keep getting perpetually worse on this, but there’s no real alternative. The Under in this series is about the safest bet in hockey, which is particularly interesting given the fact scoring in these playoffs is at a record pace.
Still, the goaltenders have stolen the show. Oettinger (.956) and his Calgary counterpart Jacob Markstrom (.952) have the two best save percentages in the playoffs, plus each team is trying to play a grind-it-out style where it capitalizes on turnovers and other mistakes.
Dallas wants the pace to be a slog, and Calgary coach Darryl Sutter, a veteran of two Cup championships who also was behind the bench for the Flames’ most recent run to the Cup final in 2004, undoubtedly realizes that’s how you win this time of the year. Expect the Under to be a lock again.
Flames vs Stars Game 6 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+280) at DraftKings
- Flames Moneyline
- Under 1.5 First-Period Goals
- Under 5.5 Goals
WAGER: 1 Unit
This parlay was successful in Game 5, which means there’s no reason to go away from it in Game 6. As stated above, we love the Under again.
There hasn’t been more than two first-period goals in any game, and Game 3 was the only game this series to feature even that many goals in the first 20 minutes — perhaps not coincidentally, that was the only game in which the Over hit.
Again, Dallas might be energized by its raucous home crowd — the energy at the AAC was electric in Games 3 and 4 — but if the Flames can weather the first 10 minutes, this parlay should hit.
PREVIOUSLY: Flames vs Stars Game 5 Predictions
Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter threw his lines in the metaphorical blender, and his moves paid off in Calgary’s 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round that knotted the best-of-7 series at 2.
Calgary finally solved Stars goalie Jake Oettinger or more accurately threw enough shots at him that a few finally started going in.
Oettinger lost despite stopping 50 shots in Game 4, the most saves in a non-overtime playoff game in franchise history, and he leads the NHL in playoff save percentage (.960) among goalies with at least one postseason start.
Superstar forward Johnny Gaudreau left his stamp on Game 4, scoring on a penalty shot and adding an assist. Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom, who trails only Oettinger in playoff save percentage (.952), was solid yet again, stopping 34 shots in Game 4.
Flames vs Stars Game 5 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Tuesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. ET, at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Flames (-220) / Stars (+180)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+125) / Stars +1.5 (-145)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+105) / Under 5.5 (-125)
Flames vs Stars Game 5 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 5 Pick
Flames 3, Stars 1
These games have been low-scoring, thanks mostly to the exceptional goaltending on each side. I could see Oettinger stealing another game in Calgary, where the home fans are undoubtedly tense that their beloved club is locked in a fight against the inferior Stars.
After watching the Flames overwhelm the Stars in Game 5, we feel this series is different. Plus, winning Game 5 is huge for winning a series but doesn’t necessarily put the series out of reach.
As we stated before Game 4, Calgary has lost seven straight series best-of-7 series with home-ice advantage dating back to the 1989 Cup final — which frankly is incomprehensible — and it is 4-3 in Game 5s in those series.
Flames vs Stars Game 5 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (-125)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under is now 3-1 in this series as the goaltenders have stolen the show. The home crowd in Dallas was raucous, spiriting both sides to a frenetic pace, especially in Game 4 where there were 89 shots on goal and just five goals (.944 combined save percentage).
But the fans in Calgary will probably be measured since they’ll be feeling some stress, and there will undoubtedly be a feeling-out period since neither side will want to make a costly mistake early.
Calgary allowed just 38 shots in the first two games at the Saddledome, and the Stars want the game to be a slog anyway since the high-octane Flames are clearly more skilled and appear to finally have their offense cooking.
Five goals should be the max in this one.
Flames vs Stars Game 5 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+250) at BetMGM
- Flames Moneyline
- Under 1.5 First-Period Goals
- Under 5.5 Goals
WAGER: 1 Unit
These aren’t the best odds for a same-game parlay, and if you are feeling daring and want to take the Under down to 4.5 the odds jump to +400.
But given the fact there have been empty-netters in three of the four games so far, including one that ruined the Over in Game 3, I’d pause heavily before teasing the 5.5 down any farther.
If you think the Stars are going to pull off the upset, the odds on this parlay with Dallas Moneyline are +475 at BetMGM. But we think the parlay above is the way to go.
PREVIOUSLY: Flames vs Stars Game 4 Predictions
The Dallas Stars are eyeing a commanding 3-1 series lead when they host the Calgary Flames in Game 4 of their Western Conference first round at American Airlines Center on Monday.
Joe Pavelski scored twice, including a power-play goal at 10:05 that broke a 2-all tie in the Stars’ 4-2 victory in Game 3 on Saturday. Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger made 39 saves for his second-career playoff win. Oettinger has stopped 93 of 96 shots (.969) through three games and helped Dallas bettors cash in on the moneyline (+140).
Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom has been almost as good as Oettinger, stopping 65 of 69 shots through three games (.942). Calgary has only scored three goals in three games, two of which have come from top-line center Elias Lindholm.
The Flames finished with the sixth-most goals (293) during the regular season and had 10 players score 10-plus goals. But Calgary’s second line of Andrew Mangiapane (35 goals, 55 points in the regular season), Mikael Backlund (39 points) and Tyler Toffoli (11 goals, 23 points in 34 games after being acquired from Montreal) and third line, Dillon Dube (18 goals), Calle Jarnkrok and Blake Coleman (16), have yet to record a point in the series.
Flames vs Stars Game 4 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Sunday, May 8 at 9 a.m. ET, at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Flames (-160) / Stars (+140)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+175) / Stars +1.5 (-210)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+105) / Under 5.5 (-125)
Flames vs Stars Game 4 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 4 Pick
Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT)
I don’t want to bet against my Cup pick, but Calgary has a history of, well, flaming out come playoff time, and it appears this is the most recent edition. The Flames have lost straight series in which they had home-ice advantage — obviously not including the 2020 playoff bubble where there were no fans, travel, or true home-ice advantage — dating back to the 1989 conference final.
Plus, Pavelski has been a thorn in Calgary’s side come playoff time. The veteran forward has 10 goals and six assists in 16 career postseason games against Calgary.
I’m loathed to bet against my pre-playoffs Cup pick to fall behind 3-1 in its first-round series, and the Flames haven’t played badly. There’s more than enough time for them to snap out of this, but given the way this series is trending and the odds, we like Dallas to take the commanding lead.
Flames vs Stars Game 4 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (-125)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Under was one second from hitting for the third straight game — only Roope Hintz’s empty-netter at 19:59 stole our Game 3 best bet. We detailed how well each goalie has played during the series. Expect the Under to be safe again for our NHL bet of the day.
Flames vs Stars Game 4 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+600) at BetMGM
- Under 2.5 First-Period Goals
- Under 6.5 Goals
- Overtime Played: Yes
WAGER: 1 Unit
This series has been really close — Dallas’ plus-3 goal differential is only buoyed by its two empty-net goals in the series. It’s only a matter of time until we get a game in extra time, and this one might as well be it.
Plus, this parlay is completely result-proof, which means if it’s 2-2 going to OT, it will hit as long as all the goals didn’t come in the first period.
PREVIOUSLY: Flames vs Stars Game 3 Predictions
The Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars will each try to get a leg up as the series shifts to Dallas on Saturday for a pivotal Game 3 of this Western Conference first-round matchup.
The Stars stunned the Flames 2-0 in Game 2 on the back of Jake Oettinger‘s first Stanley Cup Playoffs shutout. Oettinger, who won 30 games and had a .914 save percentage in 46 regular-season starts, has stopped 54-of-55 shots through two games (.982 save percentage) and helped Dallas (+190 moneyline) even the best-of-7 series.
Calgary fell short despite another solid performance from goalie Jacob Markstrom, who himself has only allowed one goal on 38 shots faced (.974) through two games.
Flames vs Stars Game 3 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Friday, May 6 at 10 a.m. ET, at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Flames (-160) / Stars (+140)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+170) / Stars +1.5 (-200)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+110) / Under 5.5 (-130)
Flames vs Stars Game 3 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 3 Pick
Flames 4, Stars 1
There have only been three goals in the series, including Roope Hintz’s late empty-netter in Game 2. It’s only a matter of time until both sides score at least once in a game.
Flames fans might be feeling the heat after losing another chance to take a 2-0 lead in a playoff series. Calgary hasn’t won a Game 2 since the 2004 Western Conference Final, a span of 12 postseason series, and is 2-6 in series in which it wins Game 1 during that span.
Oettinger is looking scary, and the Flames’ ghosts of postseason failures past could start creeping in. Forward Matthew Tkachuk has as many fighting majors (1) as points (1) in the series, and Johnny Gaudreau, a career 1.01 point per game producer in the regular season whose postseason point-per game average is just 0.63, also has just one assist in two games.
The point is, the Flames offense better break out in Game 3 or they could risk another early playoff exit.
Flames vs Stars Game 3 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (-130)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The odds here aren’t great, and we expect Calgary’s offense to come alive in Game 3. But it’s the only real option until we see a game where both sides start scoring some goals.
Make this your NHL bet of the day.
Flames vs Stars Game 3 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+225) at BetMGM
- Flames Moneyline (-160)
- Under 2.5 First-Period Goals (-550)
- Under 5.5 Goals (-130)
WAGER: 1 Unit
There’s been a first-period goal in each of the previous two games, but that’s been it. As stated above, we think that the Flames will break out offensively in Dallas — they scored four goals in their only regular-season trip to the American Airlines Center — and Markstrom will continue to be solid.
Calgary’s structure was good in Game 2 after it sucked the life out of Dallas in Game 1. The Flames’ 38 shots allowed through two games are by the far the fewest of any playoff team. They probably won’t allow more than one goalie-in goal again in Game 3.
In short, there’s not a lot for the Flames to fix moving forward other than putting some pucks behind Oettinger.
PREVIOUSLY: Flames vs Stars Game 2 Prediction
The Calgary Flames will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round series at Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday night.
In Game 1, Calgary scored early on Elias Lindholm‘s power-play goal then squeezed the life out of Dallas, limiting the Stars to just 16 shots — three apiece in the first and third periods — to take a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-7 series.
Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom stopped all 16 shots for his second career playoff shutout, and NHL-leading 10th between the regular season and playoffs combined.
Flames vs Stars Game 2 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Thursday, May 5 at 9 a.m. ET, at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Flames (-230) / Stars (+190)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+110) / Stars +1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-110)/Under 5.5 (-110)
Flames vs Stars Game 2 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 2 Pick
Flames 3, Stars 0
Maybe the Stars will rise up and score at least once in Game 2, but Flames coach Darryl Sutter has his team playing on a completely different level right now, especially defensively.
Plus, this is a bad matchup for the Stars. Dallas only scored 103 goals away from home and was shut out three times during the regular season. The Flames can match up against Dallas’ top line of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski, which accounted for 105 of the team’s 233 regular-season goals (45 percent).
Plus the Flames, who allowed the third-fewest goals in the NHL (208) during the regular season, only surrendered 98 goals in their 41 home games.
Expect another tight, low-scoring game that Calgary wins.
Flames vs Stars Game 2 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
We pegged how Game 1 would pan out, with Calgary scoring early then sucking the life out of the game. As stated above, the Under feels pretty secure once again.
Matthew Tkachuk Anytime Goalscorer (+160)
WAGER: 0.5 Units
Tkachuk was fully engaged in Game 1, falling just a goal shy of the ultra-rare postseason Gordie Howe hat trick. It’s only a matter of time until he gets on the goal side of the scoresheet.
Flames vs Stars Game 2 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+525) at BetMGM
- Flames Moneyline (-230)
- Under 5.5 Goals (-110)
- Tkachuk Anytime Goalscorer (+160)
WAGER: 1 Unit
If you like Markstrom to post a second straight shutout, you can choose Calgary to Win to Nil as part of this, bumping the odds to (+1750). If you’re anxious about needing a Tkachuk goal in a 3-2 game, you can tease the total to Under 6.5 and the odds drop only a little to (+450).
But given the likelihood of another low-scoring Flames win, the one we have feels like a winner.
PREVIOUSLY: Flames vs Stars Game 1 Prediction
The Calgary Flames had a spectacular season posting 111 points, second-most in team history, while winning the Pacific Division regular-season crown. But Calgary will now turn its sights to advancing to the Cup final for the first time since 2003-04 and bringing home its second championship in team history and first since its immortal 1989 campaign.
Yet, the Flames run toward the Cup starts with a date against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference first round. Dallas made a surprising run to the Stanley Cup final in 2020 and is back in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
The Flames have the third-shortest odds to win the Cup (+750 at Caesars) and second-shortest (+300) behind only the Colorado Avalanche (+130) to claim the Campbell Bowl as Western Conference champions.
Calgary scored 292 goals, sixth-most in the NHL, and is buoyed by its top line, anchored by 40-goal, 100-point producers Johnny Gaudreau (40 goals, 115 points) and Matthew Tkachuk (42 goals, 104 points). The duo is centered by Elias Lindholm, who also scored 42 goals. The Flames also allowed the fewest goals in the Western Conference and third-fewest in the league (208).
But Dallas is no slouch. The Stars went 3-0-1 down the stretch to edge out the powerful Vegas Golden Knights and earn the West’s penultimate playoff spot. Jason Robertson had a breakout season with 41 goals and 79 points, Roope Hintz had 37 goals, and veteran forward Joe Pavelski led the team with 81 points in 82 games.
Flames vs Stars Game 1 Odds
These NHL playoff odds are current as of Tuesday, May 3, at 9 a.m. ET, at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Flames (-230) / Stars (+190)
- Puck Line: Flames -1.5 (+115) / Stars +1.5 (-135)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-125)/Under 5.5 (+105)
Flames vs Stars Game 1 Prediction
Flames vs Stars Game 1 Pick
Flames 3, Stars 1
The Stars don’t score goals (234, 21st-most in the NHL), and the Flames don’t allow them. Plus, goals are harder to come by this time of the year, so don’t be surprised if Calgary scores early then squeezes the life out of Dallas.
Flames vs Stars Game 1 Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 Goals (+105)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The line moved from 6 to 5.5 overnight, which makes for great odds to take the Under in this game. Calgary coach Darryl Sutter is a veteran of playoff hockey — he won the Cup twice with the Los Angeles Kings and coached the Flames to their most recent Stanley Cup final appearance in 2003-04 — which means he’s going to coach these games to be slogs instead of track meets.
Despite their high-octane offense, Calgary is built to win low-scoring, tight-checking games. Goalie Jacob Markstrom led the NHL with nine shutouts in a career year where he set new career bests in save percentage (.922), goals-against average (2.22), and starts (63)
Plus, the Stars scored the T3rd-fewest road goals in the NHL (103) with the Arizona Coyotes. They’re built to win a low-scoring game too. Don’t be stunned if this game doesn’t even reach four goals.
Flames vs Stars Game 1 Best Parlay
Flames-Stars Parlay (+180) at BetMGM
- Flames -1.5 Puck Line (+120)
- Over 3.5 Goals (-650)
- Flames to Score First (-165)
WAGER: 2 Units
The odds on this one aren’t great, but this one seems almost too likely to hit. Profit is profit, right?
Previously: Flames vs Stars Odds To Win Series
- Flames (-350)
- Stars (+280)
Flames vs Stars Series Prediction
Flames vs Stars Series Pick
Flames in 5 Games
Calgary has a tendency to fall flat in the postseason. It did so in 2018-19 when it wasted a 107-point season and Pacific Division regular-season championship by losing to the Colorado Avalanche in five games.
But there are marked differences between this team and that one. For starters, Calgary has a playoff veteran coach in Sutter over Bill Peters, who was coaching his first NHL playoff series in 2019.
The Flames have stability in goal in Markstrom over enigmatic Mike Smith, who posted a 3.20 goals-against average in the playoffs after an .898 save percentage/2.72 GAA during the regular season that year.
Plus, the Flames’ core is more playoff-tested and should have vengeance in mind. Calgary fell to Dallas in six games in the first round in the Edmonton bubble in 2020, in a series where it built a 2-1 series lead before dropping the final three games.
Calgary has every advantage in this series. Offensively, it scored 58 more goals. In net, Markstrom is a veteran of 14 playoff games, whereas Dallas is going with Jake Oettinger, who has just 36 minutes, 40 seconds of postseason experience, with all of it coming in the 2020 bubble playoffs.
Flames vs Stars Series Best Bets
Flames -2.5 Games (+160) at Caesars
WAGER: 1 Unit
Maybe Dallas steals a second game in the series, but given the odds and the huge difference between the squads in terms of talent, this one has good potential.
Correct Series Score: Flames 4-1 (+300)
Wager: 1 Unit
Flames in 5 is how the oddsmakers believe the series will wind up, since this series score has the shortest odds. As we said above, maybe Dallas steals a second game, but if the Flames have bona fide Cup aspirations they should make quick work of the Stars.
