Intelligent Hockey: Best bets for Saturday’s NHL action

The Eastern Conference postseason bracket is going to give hockey fans everything they want. It has stars, legacy teams, up-and-comers, loads of skill and speed.

But in the regular season, what the conference lacks is existential drama. Love them or hate them, the Washington Capitals are making the playoffs. The playoff picture is set.

While there is still jostling for seeding in the East, it doesn’t offer the same compelling story as the West. In the West, uncertainty abounds. As such, I have selected my picks from games that include teams from this conference. Admittedly, the Flames don’t have quite the same stakes, but they are a delight to bet on.

Detroit Red Wings at Calgary Flames

Saturday, March 12 – 7 PM ET

If there are still doubters, they are currently in hiding. The Calgary Flames are a legitimate Stanley Cup candidate, and they are doing everything in their power to convey that message. Since February 1, they are 14-2-1. They are second in goals for percentage per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. They are top five in high-danger chances and expected goals. And they are pulverizing teams in their own rink.

The Detroit Red Wings are trying to send a very different message to the betting community. In that span they are 4-7-1. They have the third-worst goals for percentage at 5-on-5 during that stretch. And they are bottom-six in the NHL in high-danger chances and expected goals. Detroit, meet Calgary, your opposite!

One bit of good news for the Red Wings is that forward Jakub Vrana recently made his 2021-22 regular season debut. That is a big deal because, as a Red Wing, Vrana has been almost a goal-per-game player. Shocking, but you read that right! While he is converting on a laughably high percentage of shots on goal,