Stars vs. Flames Prediction and Odds for Game 7 (More Evenly Matched Than Odds Suggest)

What's better than a Game 7? Two Game 7's! That's what we have on tap for today, as the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames square off in an elimination matchup after the Penguins and Rangers do the same.

This has been an evenly-matched series, with both teams scoring 12 goals a piece. The Stars staved off elimination with a 4-2 victory in Game 6 and hope to notch their second road win of the series.

The winner will take on the Edmonton Oilers after they beat the Kings in a Game 7 of their own. Who will it be? Can the Flames win their first playoff series since 2015 or will the Stars pull off the upset? Perhaps the total has value instead of a side?

Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook as we determine a winner in this Stars vs Flames Game 7 matchup:

Stars vs. Flames Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Stars +180
• Flames -210

Puck line:

• Stars +1.5 (-155)
• Flames -1.5 (+127)

Total:

• 5.5 (Over +125/Under -145)

Stars vs. Flames Prediction and Pick

The Flames were one of the best teams throughout the regular season thanks to one of the stingiest defenses in hockey. They allowed a league-leading 2.37 goals per game and have done little in this series to change the notion that they are indeed a dominant defensive unit.

Both Jacob Markstrom and Jake Oettinger have been sensational, and it's a shame one of them has to lose. I'd like to advocate for the under, but the juice is a bit too large for my liking. We've twice seen a game in this series barely hit the over thanks to an empty-net goal, and with everything on the line I'd expect to see goalies pulled earlier than usual if need be.

Instead, I see value on the Stars. Dallas was an impressive 15-9 over its final 24 road games of the regular season, and Oettinger has been perhaps the best player across the league in the first round. Sometimes, all it takes is one stellar performance to pull off a miracle, and Oettinger is certainly capable.

At the least, I think this game is closer than the +180 odds on Dallas suggest. I'm reminded of when a young Jordan Binnington carried the Blues to a shocking Stanley Cup victory a few years ago, and see no reason the 23-year-old Oettinger can't put his team on his back in the same way.

Calgary knows what's at stake and should feel a ton of pressure, having not won a playoff series since 2015. I'll back the Stars to pull off the upset in a game I see much closer to a coin-flip.

Pick: Stars (+180)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.