Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 3/23/2023

by Chuck Sommers

Thursday, Mar 23, 2023
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Where to watch: SNW, ATTSN-RM

Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks


DraftKings: Flames -140, Golden Knights +120
BetMGM: Flames -140, Golden Knights +120
Caesars: Flames -140, Golden Knights +120

Season record
Golden Knights: 44-21-6
Flames: 32-25-15

The All-Star break is over, the second half of the NHL season can officially begin, and we're bound for what should be a very exciting second half of the hockey season. Basketball and hockey are about to rule the roost in the sports betting world once the Super Bowl is done with, and we should all be very excited for what's to come. When the trade deadline hits and players switch teams, you know things are about to get hectic over these final 30 games or so. One way you can stay tuned with the action is following what our champion handicappers are doing in the world of the NHL. Look at ASA, Inc., reeling in a $6,750 profit off a 17-9-0 run. Al McMordie is also doing well on the ice with a 13-5-0 run and a net profit of $6,050. Scott Rickenbach has also been hanging strong with a lot of betting action, in what's been an unusual year, with a 24-18-0 run and reeling in $5,950. You know this action is going to be great now that games are back and a busy second half if on the horizon. All you need to do is head to our BEST BETS page at bigal.com to find out all of what we're trying to tell you. Make sure you're locked in at bigal.com and go to our Best Bets page to find out what our champion handicappers have to say in the world of the NHL!

Golden Knights - Flames preview, prediction and analysis


On March 23, 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights will face off against the Calgary Flames in a crucial game with playoff implications for both teams. The game will take place at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.

The Golden Knights are currently in second place in the Pacific Division with a record of 44-21-6. They have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL this season and are coming off a 4-3 win against Vancouver. The Flames, on the other hand, are in fifth place in the Pacific Division.

Both teams have a lot on the line in this game. The Golden Knights are looking to secure their position in the playoffs and potentially make a push for the top spot in the division. The Flames, meanwhile, are looking to solidify their position in the playoffs and potentially move up in the standings.

The Golden Knights have been one of the best defensive teams in the NHL this season, allowing just 2.4 goals per game.

The Flames, on the other hand, have been a more balanced team this season, with both their offense and defense ranking in the top 10 in the NHL. They are led by the dynamic duo of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who have combined for 57 goals and 76 assists this season. The Flames have also gotten a boost from the recent return of Matthew Tkachuk, who had missed several games with an injury.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Golden Knights and Flames have played each other twice this season, with the Golden Knights winning both games by a score of 3-1. However, both teams have undergone significant changes since their last meeting, so it's difficult to predict how the rematch will play out.

One key factor in this game could be the special teams. The Golden Knights have the second-best penalty kill in the NHL, while the Flames have the fourth-best power play. If the Flames can capitalize on their opportunities with the man advantage, it could give them a significant advantage in the game.

Overall, this game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two talented teams with a lot on the line. The Golden Knights will look to continue their strong defensive play and get contributions from their top scorers, while the Flames will look to use their balanced attack and special teams to secure a crucial win.

In summary, the March 23 matchup between the Vegas Golden Knights and Calgary Flames is a game that could have significant playoff implications for both teams. It will be interesting to see which team comes out on top in what promises to be an intense and exciting game.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Flames 3

Projected lines

Golden Knights:

Ivan Barbashev -- Jack Eichel -- Jonathan Marchessault

Reilly Smith -- William Karlsson -- Pavel Dorofeyev

Brett Howden -- Chandler Stephenson -- Michael Amadio

Paul Cotter -- Teddy Blueger -- Phil Kessel

Alec Martinez -- Alex Pietrangelo

Brayden McNabb -- Shea Theodore

Nicolas Hague -- Zach Whitecloud

Jonathan Quick

Flames:

Andrew Mangiapane -- Elias Lindholm -- Tyler Toffoli

Jonathan Huberdeau -- Mikael Backlund -- Blake Coleman

Dillon Dube -- Nazem Kadri -- Walker Duehr

Milan Lucic -- Adam Ruzicka -- Trevor Lewis

MacKenzie Weegar -- Rasmus Andersson

Noah Hanifin -- Chris Tanev

Nikita Zadorov -- Troy Stecher

Jacob Markstrom

Don't miss our champion handicappers' free picks and expert hockey picks today. And if you enjoyed this preview, be sure to drop by every day for our daily NHL projections and previews.

Chuck Sommers

About the Author:

Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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