Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Both teams have been underwhelming recently, collecting only losses and slipping to the middle of the Western Conference standings. The Calgary Flames are barely holding onto a playoff spot, while Utah Hockey Club are already out of it. However, one of them is bound to improve their situation after this encounter.
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club have accrued a string of three home losses, with their most recent visitors mercifully giving up a point for a draw in regulation time. The opponent, however, was not particularly strong, as the team from Salt Lake City became the first to lose to the San Jose Sharks this season (4:5 OT). For the Utah Hockey to win, they need either to score at least five goals or concede no more than two. The first scenario could happen in their next match.
Calgary Flames
What is going on with the Calgary Flames? In their last game against the Vegas Golden Knights (0:5), the team had no chance. With just 16 shots to their opponents' 36, their performance was lacklustre. The second period was dreadfully imbalanced (3:16). Perhaps the Golden Knights are simply too strong for the current Flames lineup? Before their match in Nevada, the team also lost to two clear playoff contenders, the Carolina Hurricanes (2:4) and the Winnipeg Jets (3:5), at least making it to the second round, even when playing at home.
Utah Hockey Club vs Calgary Flames Prediction
Ultimately, we believe the issue lies with the level of the Flames' opponents. When the Utah Hockey Club was the Arizona Coyotes, the Flames defeated them five out of six times over the past two seasons, even if it took more than regulation time. We believe that the final victory will go to the Calgary Flames.
