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The Rundown:
A Western Conference tilt goes down tonight in Calgary, with the Flames hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. For the Flames, the game against the Blackhawks will be the last in a four-game homestretch before they hit the road for the next two weeks. Both teams have had a great January, contrary to their unsuccessful seasons as a whole.
The Matchup
The Blackhawks put together a nice little run in the middle of January that saw them win six of seven games, they have regressed back to the mean, having lost two straight to the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. The Blackhawks (14-28-4) have lost two straight after going 6-1-0 in their previous seven, and have been outshot by a combined 107-51 in their past three games. The Flames (23-16-9) need a win against the Blackhawks to keep their playoff hopes going. The good news for the Flames is that they’re coming off two of the most dominating wins of the season, a 6-4 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning and a 4-3 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, the Flames outmatch them in almost every category. The Flames will have their way tonight, as they generate the second most Shots For per Game Played in the NHL with 35.4 shots, whereas the Blackhawks allow the sixth most with 33.7.
Players To Watch
For the Blackhawks, the player to watch is Max Domi. With 33 points to lead the Blackhawks, Domi has thrived in an elevated role in Chicago. Playing alongside one of his heroes in Patrick Kane, Domi has been one of the few bright spots for the Blackhawks this year.
For the Flames, the player to watch is Mikael Backlund. Backlund is already on pace to outperform his last season total of 39 points through 82 games, as he currently has 27 points in 48. The third-line center plays an important role in anchoring Blake Coleman and Andrew Mangiapane. Backlund currently has five assists in his last five games.
Odds Presented By Betfred Sportsbook
Spread- Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (+130) / Calgary Flames -1.5 (-150)
Moneyline- Chicago Blackhawks +300 / Calgary Flames -390
Total– 6.0 – Over (-120) / Under (+100)
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