Calgary Flames (18-12-7) vs Utah Hockey Club (16-15-6)
Game Info: Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 9:00 pm (Scotiabank Saddledome)
The Line: Betting Odds: Calgary Flames -110 / Utah Hockey Club -110 — Over/Under: 6
In this article, we will formulate a Utah Hockey Club vs Calgary Flames prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 2nd at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Utah Hockey Club Betting Preview
The Utah Hockey Club are 16-15-6 this season after they lost to Edmonton by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Utah tied the game at one in the first period, but they allowed the last three goals in the game for the loss. The Hockey Club were outshot by a total of 38-27, won 45.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Utah got their lone goal from McBain, while Stauber stopped 34 out of 37 shots in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Hockey Club lost to the Kraken by a score of 5-2 and the Avalanche by a score of 4-1. Utah has lost five games in a row and they have scored two goals or fewer in each of their last four. The Hockey Club is sixth in the Central Division with 38 points. Utah has scored 2.86 goals per game and they have allowed 2.97 goals against per game, while also going 22.1% on the power play and 80.9% on the penalty kill this season. Clayton Keller has led Utah with 13 goals, 24 assists, and 93 shots on goal, while Dylan Guenther has added 16 goals, 17 assists, and 91 shots on goal this year. Karel Vejmelka is 8-10-2 with a 2.40 goals against average and a .916 save percentage this season.
Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Calgary Flames are 18-12-7 this year after they defeated Vancouver by a score of 3-1 in their last game. Calgary allowed Vancouver to tie the game at one in the third period, but they were able to score the last two goals in the game for the win. The Flames got goals from Huberdeau, Kadri, and Zary, while Wolf stopped 23 out of 24 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Flames lost to Vegas by a score of 3-0 but did beat San Jose by a score of 3-1 before that. Calgary has won three of their last four games and they are currently fourth in the Pacific standings with 43 points. Calgary has scored 2.65 goals per game and they have allowed 2.97 goals against per game, while also going 20.6% on the power play and 71.8% on the penalty kill this season. Jonathan Huberdeau has led Calgary with 16 goals, 13 assists, and 65 shots on goal, while Nazem Kadri has added 14 goals, 12 assists, and 127 shots on goal. Dustin Wolf is 12-5-2 with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage this year.
Why the Flames will beat the Hockey Club
- Utah has lost each of its last five games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Flames have won five of their last six home games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Flames have covered the puck line in each of their last five home games.
- Utah has failed to cover the puck line in each of its last four night games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Utah has lost the third period in four of its last five games against Western Conference opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Eleven of the Flames’ last 12 games as home favorites following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of Utah’s last six night games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Flames’ last eight home games against Western Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of Utah’s last four road games.
Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Coronato has scored at least one goal in each of the Flames’ last four games as home favorites against Central Division opponents.
- MacKenzie Weegar has recorded at least one assist in each of the Flames’ last four home games against Central Division opponents.
- Andrei Kuzmenko has recorded at least one point in each of his last six appearances with the Flames as home favorites against Western Conference opponents.
Utah Hockey Club Player Prop Facts
- Clayton Keller has scored at least one goal in four of his last five appearances against Pacific Division opponents.
- Clayton Keller has recorded an assist in seven of his last eight appearances in road games.
- Logan Cooley has recorded at least one point in each of Utah’s last nine games against Pacific Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Calgary Flames are one of only two teams to win a game when trailing by 3 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
- The Calgary Flames rank 31st in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (0.59).
- Utah Hockey Club rank 3rd in the league in penalty minutes this season (396).
- Utah Hockey Club are one of only three teams to lose 8+ games when leading after Period 1 this season.
Utah Hockey Club vs Calgary Flames Prediction
Utah comes into this matchup trying to snap their five-game losing streak, but they are 11-8-2 on the road. Calgary has won three of their last four games and while they aren’t very good on the road, they are 13-4-3 at home. Both teams are pretty low-scoring on offense, but they play solid defense. Utah does have a slight advantage when looking at the special teams, but I can’t back them with how they are currently playing. Calgary has been great at home and I expect that to continue here. Take the Flames to get the win.