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Calgary Flames vs Vegas Golden Knights Game Preview
The Calgary Flames are desperate to stop their slide when they visit the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, October 18, 2025. These teams are trending in opposite directions — Calgary has dropped four straight, while Vegas sits atop the Pacific Division riding a five-game point streak. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
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Line Movement and Odds
Vegas opened as a heavy favorite and remains so after public action reinforced the Knights’ edge.
- Moneyline: Flames +195 / Golden Knights −236
- Puck Line: Flames −1.5 (−127) / Golden Knights +1.5 (+104)
- Total: 6.0 (Over −118 / Under −104)
Follow real-time movement and projections on the NHL odds board.
Matchup Breakdown
This is a classic contrast: one team clicking on every level, another still searching for an identity.
Calgary (1–4–0) sits dead last in the league and is coming off a 3–1 loss to Utah. The offense has stalled — just six goals in their last four games — and they’ve been outscored by nine overall. The power play has been one of few bright spots (3-for-14, 21%), led by Rasmus Andersson, who scored the lone goal Thursday.
Coach Ryan Huska knows time is running out:
“You can’t make the playoffs in the first month, but you can surely miss them.”
The Flames will get a major boost with Jonathan Huberdeau returning from injury. He finished second on the team last season in goals (28) and points (62) and should immediately help stabilize the top six. Calgary still has the physical edge — ranking 4th in hits (136) — but their puck possession has been sloppy, and they’ve struggled to defend the slot.
Vegas (3–0–2) continues to roll. The Golden Knights lead the Pacific with eight of ten possible points and rank top three in total offense (20 goals). The trio of Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Pavel Dorofeyev has been unstoppable — combining for 22 points in five games. New addition Mitch Marner has yet to score but already leads the team at +6, proving effective on both ends.
Coach Bruce Cassidy called Thursday’s wild 6–5 win over Boston “one of our more complete offensive games.” Vegas has allowed the first goal in every game yet finds ways to recover. The Knights’ forecheck and puck retrieval have been elite — a key reason for their league-leading 56 high-danger chances created through five games.
Injuries and Conditions
Calgary Flames
- Jonathan Huberdeau (LW) — Activated, will play
- Martin Pospisil (C) — Out (undisclosed)
Vegas Golden Knights
- Alex Pietrangelo (D) — Out (personal)
- Noah Hanifin (D) — Questionable (undisclosed)
- Brett Howden (C) — Questionable (lower body)
- Trevor Connelly (LW) — Out (lower body)
- Jakub Demek (C) — Out (undisclosed)
- Jordan Gustafson (C) — Out (undisclosed)
Betting Trends
- Calgary is 0–4 SU in its last four games.
- Vegas is 5–0–1 in its last six at home.
- Calgary is 1–3 O/U this season (Under trend).
- Vegas is 3–2 O/U, averaging 4.0 goals per game.
- Vegas has scored first in 0 of 5 games yet earned points in all five.
Best Bets and Prediction
Calgary’s physicality might keep it close early, but Vegas has too much offensive balance and confidence. The Flames’ defensive-zone coverage remains leaky — bad news against a line featuring Eichel and Stone. Expect Vegas to control tempo and attack Calgary’s weak transition defense.
- Moneyline Lean: Golden Knights −236
- Total Lean: Over 6.0 (−118)
- Projected Score: Vegas 5 – Calgary 2
Handicappers and Service Plays
Early consensus leans Vegas ML and Over 6.0, with sharp bettors targeting first-period “Vegas to score first” props based on Calgary’s slow starts. The combination of Eichel’s form and Calgary’s -9 differential makes Vegas a strong favorite to keep rolling.
For verified, real-time expert picks and ROI-based rankings, check the Best Handicappers Leaderboard — your edge for tracking the most profitable hockey analysts all season long.
Get more matchup insights and daily betting breakdowns on the NHL picks page and the expert betting guide.
