Logo

Action Network

Get the free Action Network app for expert picks, live odds, bet tracking and more.

For the first time since 1991, the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers will duke it out in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Flames, who won the Pacific Division by seven points over the Oilers, are -200 favorites to win The Battle of Alberta.

And while that may seem like a steep price against an Oilers team that features an in-form Connor McDavid, it’s hard to argue with Calgary’s overall body of work this season.

The Flames finished the regular season with the best five-on-five goal differential, fourth-best expected-goals rate and fourth-best high-danger-scoring-chance rate. Calgary was an elite team all season.

Bet $20 Get $100 in Bonus Bets!
New WynnBet users only. Must be 21+. Offer available in AZ, CO, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA only. Full Terms and Conditions Apply.

Caesars Sportsbook Logo Square
Up to $1,250 First Bet on Caesars with code NPBONUSFULL
New players only, 21+. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, PA, IN, KS, LA, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA, WV only. Full Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet $1, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in NJ, CO, VA, OH only. Deposit required. Bonus Bets added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bets risk excluded from returns. Terms and Conditions, time limits and exclusions apply.

The BetRivers Logo
2nd Chance Bet up to $500 with code NYPBONUS
New players only, 21+. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, PA, VA only. In order to participate in this promotion, the player needs to make a first deposit (of at least $10). Full Terms and Conditions apply.

The BetRivers Logo
2nd Chance Bet up to $100 with code NYPBONUS
New players only, 21+. Available in NY only. In order to participate in this promotion, the player needs to make a first deposit (of at least $10). Full Terms and Conditions apply.

betPARX
Bet $10, Get $125 in Sports Bonus if your first bet wins
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and located in PA or NJ. New users & winning bets only. Terms and Conditions apply. See website for details.

100% match up to $500
Claim your eligible bonus from within account after login per promotion instructions. Either way, get a 100% match up to $250 on your first deposit. Only one code may be used. First Deposit Bonus may only be claimed once per person. Must be 21+. CT only. Full Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet $10, Get $125 If Your Bet Wins!
New users only, 21+. Available in MI only. Full Terms and Conditions apply.

And there is a chance that the Flames’ ability to score will be undervalued in the early part of this series. Calgary is coming off a Game 7 overtime victory as a heavy favorite against the Dallas Stars, and while the series went down to the wire, there’s no arguing that Calgary dominated. The Flames just ran into one of the best goaltending performances we’ve seen in a best-of-seven series from Dallas’ Jake Oettinger.

Calgary’s scoring depth should shine through in this matchup, and with Leon Draisaitl clearly not close to 100 percent, the Flames will have too much for the Oilers, whose defense did look leaky in Round 1 against the Kings.

Check Out the Best Sports Betting Sites and Apps

The Flames are deeper, have the goaltending edge, and should be able to at least contain McDavid and force the other Oilers to beat them. That sets up some value on backing Calgary to win by multiple goals in Game 1.

Top play: Flames -1.5 (+155).

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy