Last Updated on November 27, 2016 6:33 pm by Brad Burns
Stellar goaltending powers Calgary’s success
When Johnny Gaudreau went down with a broken finger two weeks ago, all seemed for the Flames. Now, though, they’ve morphed into one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous teams.
Tonight, Calgary aims to sustain its scalding-hot play on the road in Philadelphia. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the Flyers odds of -140 to emerge victorious. Conversely, Glen Gulutzan’s club represents a +120 underdog.
The Flames (10-12-1) have captured three of their last four away from the Scotiabank Saddledome, thanks in large part to the heroics of Chad Johnson in goal. A seven-year journeyman, Johnson is 5-1 with a 1.17 GAA since Nov. 15. Most recently, he stopped 35 of 36 shots in a 2-1 win over Boston.
Meanwhile, Philly (9-10-3)’s free fall down the standings continues. On Friday, Dave Hakstol’s troops dropped a 3-2 decision to the Rangers. Primary netminder Steve Mason has a 2.86 GAA and .895 save percentage in his past eight appearances.
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If the visiting crew registers a few goals early, consider this one as good as done. The Flames are 7-0-1 when leading after two periods. Still, we expect the Flyers to keep matters close at Wells Fargo Center.
SUNDAY NHL FREE PICK: FLAMES/FLYERS OVER 5.5 GOALS