With the San Jose Sharks down 1-2 in the best of seven series against the Calgary Flames, you can bet that they’ll be hitting hard tonight when the Flames host the Sharks. Flames backup goalie Curtis Joseph was the savior in game 3 after starting goalie Miika Kiprusoff gave up three goals in 3 minutes. Calgary came from behind to win 4-3. Oddsmakers at Betway.com have the Sharks as 2.25 favs over the Flames 2.60 with the over/under posted at 5. Get your NHL Playoff Prediction in now at Betway.com
Kiprusoff was pulled after giving up three goals on five shots in the first 3:33. Joseph blanked the Stars, making 22 saves and allowing the Flames to storm back from a 3-0 deficit. Joseph is currently fifth in all time playoff wins with 93. His sole purpose for being acquired by the Flames was for his playoff experience and it showed. But Kipper is still their starting goalie and he will start tonight. He’s 1-1 with a 3.40 GAA. The Flames have been strong on offense with two goals apiece from Dion Phaneuf and Stephane Yelle. Jarome Iginla, Owen Nolan and Daymond Langkow all have a goal and multiple assists. Their power play went 2 for 2 last game and their penalty kill stopped 4 of 5 kills. The Flames are 22-11-7-2 at home and 4-1 SU during their last five on home ice.
The Sharks continue their playoff woes and their troubled road record. They were knocked out of the second round in 06-07 by Detroit after they were the favs to win the Cup. Now this was supposed to be their year and they aren’t looking like anything special. The Sharks are 1-4 SU during their last five on the road and going down 3-1 will not be fun as the Flames play tougher and better knowing their just a win away. They’ve only been able to muster up 2.20 GAG in their last five and their power play has two goals in 15 tries. Ryane Clowe has three goals while Sharks top scorer Joe Thornton has been held goalless but not pointless. Goalie Evgeni Nabokov is 1-2 with a 2.36GAA.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
- Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite.
- Sharks are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.
- Flames are 7-1 in their last 8 games as a home underdog.
- Flames are 5-1 in their last 6 home games.
- Flames are 4-1 in their last 5 games as a home underdog of +110 to +150.
- Over is 5-1-3 in the last 9 meetings.
- Sharks are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Calgary.
- Sharks are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.
GAME: San Jose Sharks (50-25-4-6) at Calgary Flames (44-31-7-3)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, April 15 – 10:00 PM EST
LINE: Betway.com TOTAL: 5
PICK: Calgary 2.60
The Bottom Line: The Flames aren’t going to let the Sharks back in with the next two games back in San Jose. The Kipper needs to be on his game tonight. Get your NHL Playoff Prediction in now at Betway.com
