Buffalo Sabres vs Calgary Flames Prediction, 3/18/2022 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Buffalo Sabres vs Calgary Flames

Date: Friday, March 18, 2022

Location: Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB

TV: Sportsnet

Odds/Point Spread: Sabres (+225) Flames (-275)

The Calgary Flames (37-16-7) will take on the Buffalo Sabres (20-32-8) at Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday. The moneyline on this contest has the Sabres at +225 while the Flames are at -275. The betting total is set at 6.

The Buffalo Sabres were on the right side of the scoreboard with a 5-2 win against the Maple Leafs in their last game. The Sabres had a solid offensive output and it showed in the win. In the game, they netted 5 of the 38 shots they looked to score on. Furthermore, they had 4 power play opportunities but weren't able to convert one of them into a goal. Buffalo garnered 32 penalty mins in this matchup.

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Buffalo Sabres opponents have totaled 159 power play opportunities (28th in the NHL) and have come away with 37 goals in those attempts. The Sabres have had 2,047 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .897. Buffalo has taken 1,784 shots and holds a shot percentage of 9.0%. While at even strength, the Sabres have allowed 174 goals while notching 128 when they are on offense. Buffalo steps onto the ice with 165 power play chances and they have added 32 goals out of those attempts, garnering them a percentage of 19.39%. For the current season, they have recorded 48 points and their points percentage is sitting at .400. Regarding their goal scoring prowess, the Buffalo Sabres have earned 160 goals (24th in the National Hockey League) for the season and have surrendered 211.

The player in the crease for this game is Dustin Tokarski. Over the course of his time in hockey, Tokarski has recorded 26 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .464. His save percentage is .903 for his 3,544 minutes guarding the cage. Tokarski has had 1,906 shots against him and has recorded 1,722 total saves. The opposition has notched 184 goals against Tokarski in his professional career and his goals against rate is 3.12. He has compiled an overall mark of 17-29-11 and he has gotten the start in 56 games. Tokarski has been in goal for 67 matchups throughout his hockey career.

In their last game, Calgary played the Devils in a matchup where the Flames got the win by a tally of 6-3. They had 1 power play opportunity in this one but weren't able to score a goal. The Flames had 6 goals out of the 40 shots on goal they attempted.

So far this season, the Calgary Flames have accumulated 208 goals, 81 points, in addition to a points percentage of .675. They have granted a total of 146 goals to be scored by of a combination of 120 goals at even strength and 26 goals while they were shorthanded. The Flames have accumulated 168 goals at even strength and 40 goals (14th in the NHL) while having more men on the ice. They have earned 171 opportunities on the power play and they have a power play rate of 23.39%. Calgary has put up 2,155 shots (3rd in pro hockey) and has a shooting percentage of 9.65%, while allowing the other team 1,754 shots. They have accumulated a penalty kill percentage of 85.39% on their oppositions 178 power play opportunities, and their save percentage comes in at 91.7%.

Across the rink you are likely to see Jacob Markstrom patrolling the crease. He has gathered 9,622 saves out of the 10,550 shots attempted, which gives him a rate of .912. Markstrom is sitting with a lifetime record of 161-148-40 and has been in goal for 362 games. He got the starting nod in 346 games and has played for a total of 20,703 mins. Markstrom's quality start percentage is 52.9% and he has made 183 quality starting assignments in his pro career. His opponents are averaging 2.69 goals per game and he has relinquished 928 goals overall.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Buffalo (+225)

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