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Pittsburgh Penguins at Calgary Flames Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off their first game of the season where they didn’t score a point, falling to 4-1-1 after a 6-3 loss in Edmonton on Monday night. Now Pittsburgh tries to rebound as they play on the back-to-back at the Calgary Flames.

The Flames (4-1) are on two days of rest and are playing their fourth straight game at home. Therefore it’s no shocker that Calgary is a -170 favorite in this battle of what looks like two top-tier teams.

A Stinker From Jarry

Tristan Jarry had been one of the best goaltenders in the league through his first four starts of the season, going 4-0 with a 2.00 GAA while facing a lot of shots. Jarry was pummeled again on Monday night, and he had his worst outing of the season, allowing six goals on 47 shots.

With Jarry burned up, it’s Casey DeSmith making his second start of the season. He held Montreal to two goals in regulation last Monday but gave up a score in OT as the Penguins fell 3-2. DeSmith was once again peppered as he faced 39 SOG in that game, as Pittsburgh is facing an average of 35 shots/game, which is fifth most in the league.

On the bright side, Sidney Crosby added another goal on Monday, and he’s up to third in the NHL in scoring with 11 points. Calgary will give up some scores, as seen in their 6-3 loss at home to Buffalo last Thursday.

Calgary Big Favorites Here

The Flames seem poised on paper to hand the Penguins their first losing streak of the season. Calgary has been off since a 3-2 win over Carolina on Saturday, while Pittsburgh is playing their first back-to-back of the season.

One big advantage Calgary has here is that they take a ton of shots (38) and Pittsburgh gives up SOG in bunches, so just by sheer volume, you would think a few of those find the back of the net – especially considering the Penguins are starting their backup DeSmith.

Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom had a nice rebound game on Saturday, stopping 25 of 27 shots against Carolina. He got the early hook the outing prior, giving up three goals in the first period before giving way to Dan Vladar.

Penguins at Flames Pick and Prediction

The Flames are off to a hot start and their early season resume includes a win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche and Calgary’s big offseason signing from Colorado, Nazem Kadri, has a point in all five games this season. The Flames also beat the Oilers 4-3 in Edmonton as +119 underdogs.

There’s just too much working against the Penguins in this one from being on the road on back-to-back nights against a well-rested Calgary team. The Flames are not shy shooting the puck, while Pittsburgh gives up 35 shots/game and have their backup goaltender in. Have to go with Calgary in this spot.

Pick: Flames -170

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