The Canadian country city of Calgary will faceoff against the United States country city of Nashville as the Flames take on the Predators in this critical matchup tonight. The Predators are looking to clinch a playoff spot with a win here tonight, but of course, the number one seed in the Pacific Division stands in their way. The Flames have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and have not looked to slow down as they want to take their momentum into the playoffs. The Predators have gone 5-4-1 in their last 10 games and need a win here tonight to feel safe about a playoff position. With that, it’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Flames-Predators prediction and pick.

Here are the Flames-Predators NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel

NHL Odds: Flames-Predators Odds

Calgary Flames: -1.5 (+172) (-142 ML)

Nashville Predators: +1.5 (-210) (+118 ML)

Over: 6.5 (-105)

Under: 6.5 (-115)

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Why The Flames Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Calgary Flames have one of the most depth teams in the league right now, and staying red hot, pun intended, heading into the playoffs. They head into this game coming off of a 6-3 win over the Canucks on Saturday, extending their win streak to two games now. The Flames typically dominate play by scoring 3.58 goals per game and allowing only 2.48 goals against.  Starting in net for the Flames will likely be Jacob Markstrom, as he is posting a .922 save percentage while allowing 2.21 goals against per game and a league-leading nine shutouts. The Flames will look to walk away with another two points tonight as they try to take this momentum into the playoffs, where they can very easily see Nashville once again in the first round.

Why The Predators Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Nashville Predators head into this game off of a literally last-second overtime loss to the Wild on Sunday where they could've clinched a playoff spot had they won. However, with a win here tonight, the Preds will be locked into the first wild-card position. The Predators are typically very patient with the puck, finding the perfect opportunities to score goals, but still scoring 3.16 of them per game. They've always had a reputation for building a defensive-minded team and this was no different, allowing just under three goals per game. Starting in net for the Preds will likely be Juuse Saros since they're chasing that playoff spot. He's averaging a .918 save percentage while allowing 2.63 goals against per game. He'll look to get the win on home ice tonight and get locked into the playoffs.

Final Flames-Predators Prediction & Pick

Here is the issue with picking this game: the Flames are simply the better team. However, everything is on the line here for the Preds, and I like the fact that they're at home. I think they're going to go out there after being snubbed from a win last time out and give it 110% to get that guarantee into the post-season. They'll likely play Calgary again in the first round of the playoffs, and while I think it'll be a good matchup, they need to test them here first. The Under total also give of intrigues me since both of these defenses are immaculate, but give me the underdogs at home tonight in plus money.

Final Flames-Predators Prediction and Pick: Predators Moneyline (+118)