Prior to the start of every playoff series, we all try and figure out how many games it will take to separate the two teams involved. There are some that look set to be over quickly, while others seem destined to go the distance. If you had asked hockey fans about how they thought this series would go, you can bet that a lot of them would have picked it to go the full 7 games. Game 4 will tell us a lot about whether or not that might be the case. The Oilers head into Game 4 with a 2-1 lead in the series, but they will certainly not be thinking that this thing is over, knowing how tough it is to put away a team as good as the Calgary Flames. The Oilers are favored to win Game 4, with the goal total for this one set at 6 ½.

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round Betting: Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers Preview

Flames at Edmonton Game 4 Info

• When: Tuesday, May 24 at 9:30 PM EST
• Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton
• TV: ESPN

Why bet on the Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames were made to work for their series win in Round 1, which is perhaps something we should be looking at heading into Game 4. This series has followed a similar path, with the Flames winning Game 1 before losing the next 2 against the Dallas Stars. We are all now well aware that they turned that deficit around to get the win in 7 games. We are not saying that is exactly what will happen here, but it serves as proof that this team has some grit to go with a whole lot of skill. They do need to get better on the defensive end of the ice, as giving up 16 goals in 3 games is not going to get the job done. One trend that really stands out is that the Flames are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. In short, this is a team with the ability to put a bad loss in the rearview rather quickly.

Why bet on the Edmonton Oilers

If the playoff were to end today, there would be absolutely no doubt that Connor McDavid would be walking away with the Conn Smythe trophy for playoff MVP. He is running this series, just as he did in Round 1, and needs to be shut down quickly by the Flames if they are to avoid losing this series. The Oilers benefited from some real energy in Game 3, but the question at this point is whether they can maintain that level throughout this game. While the Flames have been good at bouncing back, the Oilers have been great at capitalizing on big wins, going 12-3 SU in their last 15 games following a game where they held the opponent to 2 or fewer goals. In terms of the total, the Oilers have seen 15 of their last 19 games as a home favorite go OVER.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

This is a series that has delivered a ton of scoring, so I don’t really expect that to change in Game 4. I do expect the Flames to play a whole lot better, which is why I like them at + 1 ½. I would play that and the OVER in this game.

NHL Playoffs Betting Pick: Calgary Flames 4 Edmonton Oilers 3

NHL Betting Center

Get your Updated NHL Betting Odds here!