Ottawa Senators (14-20-0) vs. Calgary Flames (17-17-5)
Ottawa Senators vs. Calgary Flames 1/9/24 – The upcoming NHL regular season game on January 9, 2024, presents an intriguing matchup as the Ottawa Senators, holding a 14-20-0 record, face off against the Calgary Flames with a 17-17-5 standing. This clash, scheduled for 9:00 PM ET at the Scotiabank Saddledome and broadcast on ESPN+, promises to be a captivating encounter. Fans and bettors alike, seeking insights for free daily predictions, will find this game particularly interesting due to the contrasting fortunes of both teams.
Tim Stutzle and Claude Giroux stand out among Ottawa’s offense as key performers who could help propel Ottawa forward, especially against Calgary’s inconsistent defense. Drake Batherson could also play a vital role in penetrating Calgary’s defensive perimeter with his 15.9% shooting percentage.
Calgary Flames have also displayed an effective offensive presence, led by Blake Coleman (30 points in 39 games) and Nazem Kadri (28 points) leading their attack, while Yegor Sharangovich – although having a negative rating (-11), should not be underestimated due to his scoring capabilities. Calgary will face off against Ottawa Senators’ defensive unit led by goaltender Joonas Korpisalo who have shown moments of vulnerability yet also resilience during this matchup.
Ottawa Senators vs. Calgary Flames 1/9/24 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Scotiabank Saddledome |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo vs. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom
Joonas Korpisalo has struggled mightily in net for Ottawa this season. In 23 appearances, he’s managed just seven wins compared to 12 losses while posting ugly numbers across the board – 3.61 goals against average and .889 save percentage. Korpisalo has allowed three or more goals in 14 of his 23 starts, including six of his last seven outings. Opposing teams have peppered him with an average of 30 shots per game. Most recently, he surrendered four goals on 29 shots in a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers. Korpisalo’s inconsistencies have been a significant factor behind Ottawa owning one of the league’s worst defensive units.
Jacob Markstrom given Calgary capable netminding. His .908 save percentage is slightly below average, but his 2.65 GAA ranks top-20 league-wide. Markstrom has held opponents to two goals or fewer in seven of his last 12 starts, allowing more than three just twice in that stretch. Even if he’s not completely shutting teams down, he’s keeping the Flames competitive on most nights. And he’s more than capable of completely stymying opponents when at his best. If Markstrom plays up to his talent level, Ottawa’s scorers will have trouble beating him more than a couple times.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be released, the game appears to be evenly matched, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Bettors will need to carefully consider the teams’ recent performances and the potential impact of key players when evaluating these odds.
Ottawa Senators Betting Trends
The Senators are just 1-3 straight up in their last four contests and have dropped six of their past eight overall. However, they’ve fared better against the spread recently with a 2-2 ATS record over the last four. Ottawa has been surprisingly good against the number away from home, covering in six of its last eight road matchups. The over has hit in nine of the Senators’ previous 11 games. With shaky defense and goaltending, high-scoring affairs have become the norm.
Calgary Flames Betting Trends
Calgary has turned things around a bit after a rough stretch last month, winning three of its last five matchups. The Flames covered in three of those last five as well. At home, they’ve been solid with a 10-5 record straight up and a 9-6 mark ATS this season. However, unders have been the rule for Calgary on home ice, going under the total in nine of 17 games. If Markstrom can limit chances, another lower-scoring affair could be in store on Tuesday night.
Ottawa Senators vs. Calgary Flames 1/9/24 Betting Picks
This game presents a closely contested battle. The Senators, despite their record, have the potential to surprise, particularly if their key players step up. The Flames, on the other hand, with a more balanced team performance, might hold a slight edge.
In terms of betting, focusing on the over/under could be intriguing, given both teams’ trends in recent games. Prop bets on individual player performances may also offer value. For those seeking handicapper predictions today, this game offers a mix of predictability and potential surprises, making it a fascinating choice for bettors.
Free Pick and Prediction: Calgary Flames 3, Ottawa Senators 2.