1. Game Overview
The Boston Bruins travel to face the Calgary Flames in a cross-conference matchup on December 29th. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:10 PM EST at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. This game features two teams on opposite trajectories, with the home team riding a wave of momentum and the visitors looking to find consistent footing.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Calgary Flames: The Flames enter this contest in excellent form, boasting a record of 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. They are currently on a three-game winning streak, which includes a decisive victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Recent results also show a dominant 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. The offense has been clicking, with players like Blake Coleman, Nazem Kadri, and Jonathan Huberdeau contributing key goals and assists. Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf has also been a topic of conversation as a potential Rookie of the Year contender, adding stability in the net.
Boston Bruins: The Bruins come into Calgary with a struggling record of 4-5-1 over their last 10 games. Recent losses include a 4-1 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres and a 5-4 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Analysis from their recent games points to a struggling penalty kill and inconsistent third-period play as significant issues. Despite the team’s recent slump, they possess top-tier talent, including perennial All-Star Brad Marchand and elite defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who are capable of changing the course of any game.
3. Injury Report
Injuries could be a factor for the Boston Bruins. Forward Trent Frederic has been described as “week-to-week” with a lower-body injury. Additionally, a report from earlier in the season mentioned that captain Brad Marchand was injured, although his current status is not specified in the provided results.
The available information does not list any specific key players for the Calgary Flames who are currently out or questionable for this matchup.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Moneyline: Flames -134, Bruins +112
The Calgary Flames are the betting favorites in this game, as indicated by the -134 moneyline odds. This means a bettor would need to wager $134 on the Flames to win $100. The Boston Bruins are the underdogs at +112, meaning a $100 bet on the Bruins would result in a $112 profit if they win.
5. Prediction
The Calgary Flames are poised to win this matchup. They hold a significant advantage in recent form, having won seven of their last ten games and carrying a three-game win streak into the contest. Playing on home ice further solidifies their position. Conversely, the Bruins have been inconsistent, struggling to close out games and showing weaknesses in their special teams. While the Bruins have the talent to compete, the Flames’ current momentum and home-ice advantage should be the deciding factors.
Prediction: Flames 4, Bruins 2
Sources:
Calgary Flames vs Boston Bruins History – NHL
Calgary Flames vs Boston Bruins hockey Head To Head – AiScore
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All-Time Record vs. Opponents | BOS Records
Mike Sullivan (ice hockey) – Wikipedia
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Rick Bowness – Wikipedia
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