Posted on
12/4/2007 2:18:15 PM
Bet On NHL - St. Louis Blues vs. Calgary Flames
By Robby Maddux
The Calgary Flames (-130) are far from melting the ice ATS (against the spread) this year, but they'll attempt to recover lost funds for the NHL betting fanatics supporting them, as they host the St. Louis Blues (+110) this evening.
Based on $100 wagers, the Flames have scorched their backers by dropping $1075 while going 9-18 ATS which is second-worst in the NHL.
Calgary is 10-13-4 overall and 6-7-3 on home ice. The Flames are hoping to avoid a season high-tying fifth consecutive loss after a 4-3 overtime defeat to Columbus on Saturday.
They've been outscored 16-7 during the current skid, which includes defeats in the first two games of a four-game home stand. Calgary is last in the Northwest Division with 24 points.
Much of the Flames money-dropping struggles begins on defense and erratic play by goalie Miikka Kiprusoff. The 2005-06 Vezina Trophy winner, who made 22 saves against the Blue Jackets, is 10-11-4 with a 3.00 GAA (goals-against average) this year. He has yet to post a shutout after totaling 17 over the last two seasons.
The Flames and Blues last met on Nov. 25 when St. Louis scored a 3-0 victory. Kiprusoff, who was not in net for the loss, is 7-2-1 with a 2.27 GAA and a shutout in 10 starts against St. Louis.
Offensively, Calgary has 73 goals, scoring 2.68 per game. Right wing Jarome Iginla, who has six points in the last three games, leads the club in scoring and ranks among the league leaders with 36 points. He has six points in his last four home games against the Blues.
- Flames are 7-3 in their last 10 Tuesday games.
- Flames are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. Western Conference.
- Flames are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
- Flames are 69-33 in their last 102 home games.
Manny Legace, expected to start in goal for St. Louis tonight, is 11-6-1 with a 2.22 GAA. His only shutout on the season was in the Nov. 25 game against Calgary. Legace has been solid against the Flames over his career at 9-2-2 with a sparkling 1.62 GAA.
St. Louis is 15-8-1 overall and 5-5-1 on the road. ATS the Blues are 13-11. They have gone 8-1-1 in the last 10 games to move into second place in the Central Division and fourth in the conference with 31 points.
Much of the Blues' success is coming from sound defensive play, ranking second (tied with the Rangers) in the league, allowing just 53 goals this campaign and 2.20 per game.
Right wing Brad Boyes is having a breakout season and leads the Blues with 15 goals. Boyles has six goals and three assists in the last nine games. He has six points in his last four games against the Flames. As a unit, St. Louis has 61 goals, scoring 2.53 per game.
- Blues are 8-20 in their last 28 Tuesday games.
- Blues are 7-2 in their last 9 vs. Western Conference.
- Blues are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record.
Despite recent good play from St. Louis, NHL odds list Calgary the slight money-line favorites at -130 with a spread of -1½ +215 and a game total of 5 over -115.
- Flames are 3-7 in their last 10 games as a favorite of -110 to -150.
- Flames are 2-6 in their last 8 games as a home favorite.
- Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
- Blues are 28-60 in their last 88 games as a road underdog.
Analysis: Following Calgary's overtime loss to Columbus on Saturday, which stretched their losing streak to four games, Flames coach Mike Keenan challenged Kiprusoff to step up. Kiprusoff, who only has one win in five starts, will respond to get the win in this one.
NHL Free Picks: Calgary Flames -130
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