The Calgary Flames will look to close out the Winnipeg Jets in Game 4 of West Qualifying play. In Game 3, the Flames got their groove back offensively, winning 6-2 in convincing fashion. The Jets have taken the second-fewest shots per game in the NHL’s reboot, so it would behoove them to start throwing some pucks at the net.
The goaltending matchup will probably be the same as its been all series, although nothing has been confirmed yet. For Calgary, it should likely be Cam Talbot, while Winnipeg will probably throw Connor Hellebuyck back out there. Talbot has been the much stronger goalie, giving up a total of only three goals in the Flames’ two wins. Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy finalist, has allowed 10 goals so far in the series.
Calgary Flames at Winnipeg Jets
West Qualifying – Game 4 (CGY leads 2-1)
10:30 p.m. EST (Watch: NBCSN)
Starting Goalies
CGY: Cam Talbot (12-10-1, 2.63 GAA/.919 SV% this season)
WPG: Connor Hellebuyck (31-21-5, 2.57 GAA/.922 SV% this season)
Odds & Betting lines (William Hill)
Total: 5.5 goals | Over: +115 | Under: -135
CGY | Moneyline: -160 | Puck Line -1.5: +165
WPG | Moneyline: +140 | Puck Line +1.5: -185
Injury List
CGY: none
WPG: Mathieu Perreault -F (Q), Mark Scheifele -F (D), Patrik Laine -F (D), Mark Appleton -F (D), Logan Stanley (O)
Interesting Stats
Where’s the Money Going?
As of 3:45 p.m. EST today, the Flames are seeing a lot of favoritism, with 57% of bets made and a whopping 76% of all money wagered. In terms of the puck line, things are a bit more even in terms of all money wagered, but Calgary is getting 60% of bets made. A lot of people seem to be liking the total to go under in this game, getting 63% of bets made and 81% of all money wagered.
Talbot is the Man
At one point this season, the Flames had themselves a goalie controversy but that’s certainly not the case anymore. Talbot is clearly the guy now and is one win away from taking this team to the next round of the playoffs.
Jets Injuries
As good as Hellebuyck is as a goaltender, the list of injuries the Jets are dealing with might be too hard to overcome. The injuries to Laine and Scheifele, and many others, have just been too much to overcome. After a spirited performance in Game 2, the Flames realized that is was time to get down to business.
Betting Picks
Flames Moneyline (-160)
I really want to take the puck line in this matchup, but I could see Hellebuyck having a last-ditch effort type of performance tonight. Not to mention, a lot of the betting world sees that too as evidenced by all the money going toward the under. The Jets offense is lost without its two best players, so I could very well see them playing back and really trying to grind it out against a team with some solid offensive players, including Johnny Gaudreau.
