The Super Bowl spread participants, Indianapolis and New Orleans, struggled down the stretch before the playoffs, but it was nothing like what Calgary is going through as the Flames have dropped nine of their last 10. They’ll try to right the ship in Dallas on Wednesday.
Flames vs Stars betting – Wednesday, 8:30 PM ET
A lack of goals is the main problem for the Flames, as they’ve scored more than two goals just twice in their last 10 games. Captain Jarome Iginla hasn’t lit the lamp since January 2nd against Toronto, and this is his longest drought since the 1999-2000 season. Other players have to step up, obviously, but Iginla has to spark his team somehow.
The Stars had their own funk to start January, but have won three of their last five games, including two in a row at home, where they are 14-5-5. Maybe the Stars just need to keep it close: in those last five games, their three wins have all been by a one-goal difference.
The Stars should be favored at home, but Calgary won in Dallas on November 4th by a 3-2 result in overtime, getting a pair of goals from Iginla, including the winner. The Flames desperately need to get it going, and they’ll have to get a big game from their captain in what will be a physical matchup. They’ve won four of their last five in Dallas overall, so maybe this is the place where they’ll turn it around.
NHL betting odds pick: Calgary
