Things are about to heat up north of the border, as the one of two Western Conference Playoff Series in the will feature a couple of Canadian hockey franchises longing to hoist Lord Stanley’s trophy. The Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames both needed clutch Game 7 victories in order to setup this “Battle for Alberta” series to remember. Which team will draw first blood this Wednesday?

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out some slick assists to get bets into the back of the net. This time, let’s break down the upcoming Game 1 Western Conference semifinal matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames, along with the latest NHL odds and information about the teams and players involved.

Oilers vs. Flames Game 1 Information

• When: Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 9:30 PM ET
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
• TV: ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS
• Radio: 630 CHED (Oilers) // Sportsnet 960 The Fan (Flames)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Oilers (+137) / Flames (-164)

READ MORE: Rangers vs. Hurricanes Game 1 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds and Preview – May 18th, 2022

Why Bet on the Edmonton Oilers?

For the first time since 2006 and after three previous failed attempts, the Edmonton Oilers are back in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They needed every bit of their power to prevent the upset at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings, even needing to claw out of a 3-2 series hole and winning two straight by two goals apiece.

It was none other than superstar Connor McDavid who knocked in the insurance goal against the Kings in Game 7. McDavid, the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner, continued his prolific production with a postseason-best 14 points to date. Polarizing goaltender Mike Smith also gave his best performance in the playoffs by far by shutting out Los Angeles behind 29 saves in the series-clinching win.

The Oilers won two of their four meetings against the Flames in the regular season, which portends a tight semifinal series between these two Alberta-based franchises. Edmonton does have the edge in terms of offense, as their currently ranked fourth this postseason in goals (3.86 GPG) and second in power-play percentage (36.8 PP%).

Why Bet on the Calgary Flames?

The Calgary Flames have a lot in common with the Oilers apart from being in the same province. The Flames also needed a Game 7 win in their first-round series against the Dallas Stars, and it’s been over half-a-decade since these two teams advanced from the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Calgary’s series-clinching win over the Stars was too close for comfort, as the team needed Johnny Gaudreau’s game-winning goal in overtime to eliminate Dallas. Gaudreau leads his team in points with eight, followed by second-generational Matthew Tkachuck (one goal, five assists).

Although the Oilers split their regular-season series with the Flames, the latter did win the last two meetings by a combined score of 12-6. And whereas Edmonton has a potent offense, Calgary has arguably the best netminder of the postseason. Jakob Markstrom leads all goalies with a dazzling 1.53 goals-against average and his .943 save percentage is also tops amongst all goalies still in the hunt for the Stanley Cup right now.

Oilers vs. Flames Betting Trends

• The Oilers are 7-3 in the last 10 road games.
• The Oilers are 1-3 in the last four trips to Calgary.
• The totals went under in seven of Edmonton’s last nine games on the road.
• The Flames are 6-2 in the last eight home games.
• The Flames are 4-5 in the last nine outings as favorites to win.
• The totals went under in each of Calgary’s last four games played in the Saddledome.

Oilers vs. Flames Expert Betting Predictions

Two teams with opposing strengths and weaknesses should make this a fascinating series with tons of storylines to work with. For Game 1 in particular, the Flames do get the benefit of the doubt as the favorite to win given their rather exceptional record at home of late. Then again, the Oilers have been clutch despite all the skepticism, so we wouldn’t be surprised if they steal the series opener, either.

Which hungry Canadian hockey franchise will take command of this series? Join our 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs brackets now! Click here for more information on our Bitcoin contests you definitely do not want to miss out on!

Feel free to browse sports betting guides. While you are at it, go ahead and check out all the latest NHL betting odds and more in our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.