Two teams outside of the playoff picture, the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals, will battle for a pair of pivotal points on Monday. These teams met on October 16, a game that the Caps took 3-2 in a shootout.
Despite a -30 goal differential, the Capitals are in play for third in the Metropolitan Division and an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. To say that they’re defying the odds these days is an understatement. Let’s see if they can keep it going.
As for the Flames, they traded away a bunch of pieces at the trade deadline. With the way that things are going, catching the Vegas Golden Knights for a playoff spot is still a realistic option. However, it’ll require a lot of wins in a short span.
Both sides can earn a three-game winning streak on Monday night. Who will be successful in Alberta?
Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals Betting Odds
| Team | Puck Line | Total | MoneyLine |
| Capitals | +1.5
-205 |
O 6
-115 |
+114 |
| Flames | -1.5
+170 |
U 6
-105 |
-135 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals Match Details
Fixture: Washington Capitals @ Calgary Flames
Date and Time: Monday, March 18, 2024, 8:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Flames | vs. | Capitals |
| 33-29-5 | Record | 32-25-9 |
| 3.15 | Goals Per Game | 2.62 |
| 31.1 | Shots Per Game | 27.0 |
| 10.1% | Shooting Percentage | 9.7% |
| 14.8% | Power Play | 19.1% |
| 49.5% | Faceoff | 46.3% |
| 615 | Penalty Minutes | 545 |
| 3.15 | Goals Against Per Game | 3.06 |
| 30.3 | Shots Against Per Game | 30.4 |
| .900 | Save Percentage | .902 |
| 84.1% | Penalty Kill | 79.1% |
| 2 | Shutouts | 5 |
Key Stats
Calgary Flames
- Goalie Jacob Markstrom is questionable for this game. Connor Zary is out
- Calgary’s power play is 30th in the NHL
- Nazem Kadri is the Flames leader in assists (36), points (59), and shots on goal (219)
- Calgary is 5-8-2 against Metropolitan Division teams
- The Calgary Flames are 2-3-0 in their last five
Washington Capitals
- Washington is 29th in goals per game and 31st in shots on goals per game
- Dylan Strome leads the Capitals in goals (22) and points (51)
- Washington has a 9-5-1 record against the Pacific Division
- The Caps are 3-2-0 in their last five
Match Prediction
While Washington is fresh off a pair of road wins, there should be concern after both games. The Capitals only mustered two goals in each victory. Calgary only allowed three total goals in their two recent wins. The difference is that the Flames put up nine total goals between the two contests.
So, in a game between defenses that are playing well, expect Calgary’s ability to score more reliably to break through. Especially since they are at home for this one. It may be tight as it was way back in October, but the home team will reign again in a low-scoring affair. Only this time, it means that Calgary will get two points.
Final Pick
Calgary Flames 60 Minute Line (+105); Under 6 (-105)
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Follow Andre on Twitter at @TowerTalkSports. You can also reach out to Andre Ifill via email at andre.ifill.jr@gmail.com. For Andre’s hockey talk, listen to this podcast every weekday. Andre also discusses the NFL, NBA, and MLB here. You can read and follow Andre’s betting picks at Winners and Whiners or read more of his stuff here on Total Apex Sports. He has spent years writing, talking, and picking sports professionally at the highest level.
