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All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Flames hope to keep their Stanley Cup chances alive at Scotiabank Saddledome tonight. But although Vegas oddsmakers expect Calgary to prolong the Battle of Alberta, the Oilers are the ones on fire.

With the series poised at 3-1, thanks to the exploits of Connor McDavid and Evander Kane, Edmonton are one win away from reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2006.

Get betting info and the latest lines for this crucial game in the NHL playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames Betting Info

  • When: Thursday, May 19 at 9:30 PM ET
  • Vegas oddsmakers have made Calgary moneyline favorites in Game 5
  • The Oilers are one win away from the Western Conference Finals
  • MyBookie has Edmonton at +500 to lift the Stanley Cup before Game 5
  • The Flames are +1825 longshots to win the trophy at top NHL betting sites

Oilers on Track to Break Previous Records

After scoring 11 points against the Flames in this series, Connor McDavid is the top scorer in the NHL playoffs with 25 points in 11 games. This incredible output helped the Oilers make it three wins in a row after losing the series opener 9-6.

McDavid is averaging 2.27 points per game – if he builds on this, he could soon break Wayne Gretsky’s record. NHL Bettors take note: when Gretsky hit 47 points in 18 games in 1985, the Oilers won the Stanley Cup.

…Connor McDavid is the top scorer in the NHL playoffs with 25 points in 11 games.

Although McDavid is hogging the spotlight, Kane has also been impressive. This mid-season addition has taken full advantage of his position on McDavid’s line in the last two games against Calgary by scoring five goals.

The Canadian Olympic Gold medalist has 12 goals in 11 postseason games. Interestingly, he’s also on track to beat the all-time record set by another Oiler Jari Kurri, who bagged 19 goals in 18 playoff games in 1985.

Before we get carried away by drawing parallels with Edmonton’s past, there are causes for concern.

Firstly, the Oilers are losing the possession game at 5-on-5 in this series. Also, Calgary is outscoring them by an average of five shots per game and beating them in the faceoff circle by winning 56.1% of Edmonton’s draws.

However, Mike Smith has given the Oilers the upper hand in net. The veteran goalie ranks second among goalies still standing in the playoffs with 10.1 goals saved above expected and a .931 save percentage.

Despite committing errors against the Flames, Smith has kept a cool head for Edmonton.

So with a solid man between the posts and two on-fire scorers, the Oilers could easily upset the odds by winning Game 5.

The Flames Are Running out of Fuel

Despite sportsbooks having the Flames as favorites coming into this series, they’ve failed to live up to the hype. Even in the series opener victory, they gave away a 6-1 lead before finishing the game 9-6.

Calgary’s well-structured and disciplined approach that limited chances made them formidable opponents during the regular season. As they will be in front of a home crowd on Thursday, they could roll back the clock to get the win.

First-time Vezina Trophy nominee Jacob Markstrom has been particularly disappointing.

But after a long season, they’ve looked dead on the ice. First-time Vezina Trophy nominee Jacob Markstrom has been particularly disappointing. Over the past four games, the Swede has a 5.28 goals-against average, .850 save percentage, and -9.02 goals saved above expected in all situations.

Calgary’s offensive stars, led by Johnny Gaudreau, also haven’t been able to keep up with the Oilers’ phenomenal attacking prowess.

If the Flames want to extend the series, they need their scorers to step up. However, it looks like they’ve run out of gas.

View the latest betting lines for upcoming NHL matchups.

Ben Perks
Writer

Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.