Calgary Flames vs Philadelphia Flyers Picks and Predictions October 12th 2024

Flames, Flyers aim to build on tight opening wins

The Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers both opened the 2024 NHL season with thrilling victories, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in Calgary on Saturday. Both teams are eager to build on their initial successes, with the Flames coming off a dramatic comeback win and the Flyers grinding out a shootout victory.

Flames Show Resilience in Roller-Coaster Win

The Calgary Flames demonstrated early-season resilience in their opener against the Vancouver Canucks. Despite falling behind 3-0 within the first 13 minutes and trailing 4-1 after one period, the Flames mounted a stunning comeback, ultimately securing a 6-5 overtime victory. This kind of determination is exactly what Calgary hopes to carry throughout the season as they seek to avoid missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year.

Calgary captain Mikael Backlund praised the team’s relentless mentality, saying, “There’s no quit. We believe in ourselves, and we’re going to fight till the end. No matter who the opponent is, we’re going to go out every night and try to win games.”

Five Flames players recorded both a goal and an assist in the opener, with Connor Zary netting the game-winner in overtime. Martin Pospisil, Anthony Mantha, Rasmus Andersson, Jonathan Huberdeau, and MacKenzie Weegar all contributed to the offense, while Nazem Kadri added two assists.

MacKenzie Weegar emphasized the importance of the early comeback for building confidence, noting, “It is a comeback, and that gives guys a lot of confidence knowing — early in the season — that we’re never out of a game.”

After a shaky first period, coach Ryan Huska’s adjustments helped the Flames regain control. “We had numbers above the puck, and the composure started to creep back into our game once we scored that second goal,” Huska explained. “It just kind of took off from there.”

This ability to adapt and come back from early struggles bodes well for the Flames, who will need similar grit as they aim to return to playoff contention.

Flyers Grind Out Shootout Victory in Vancouver

While Calgary’s opener was a high-scoring affair, the Philadelphia Flyers took a more methodical approach in their 3-2 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Morgan Frost scored the deciding goal in the shootout, while goalie Samuel Ersson delivered a strong performance with 24 saves.

Frost’s calculated shootout move proved to be the game-winner. “When you come in on that angle and that slow, it can kind of freeze the goalie,” Frost explained. “I’m just looking for my spot and trying to get him to bite.”

Tyson Foerster and Cam York scored for the Flyers in regulation, and coach John Tortorella expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to find a way to win. “We found a way,” Tortorella said, emphasizing the gritty nature of the victory.

Philadelphia is also focused on developing young talent, with first-round picks Matvei Michkov and Jett Luchanko making their NHL debuts in the opener. While neither registered a point, their play grew more comfortable as the game progressed. “I thought they looked as calm as ever for guys making their debuts,” Frost said.

NHL GAME PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS

Calgary and Philadelphia Set for Showdown

Both teams enter Saturday’s game with momentum and hopes of carrying their early-season form forward. The Flames and Flyers split their meetings last season, with each team winning at home. Calgary took a 4-3 decision on New Year’s Eve, while the Flyers won 3-2 in a tight contest on January 6.

For Calgary, the key will be continuing their offensive production while tightening up defensively after allowing five goals in their opener. The Flames are looking to channel the energy from their comeback into a more consistent performance.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, will aim to build on their disciplined play in Vancouver, relying on goaltending and defensive structure while integrating their young stars into the lineup. The Flyers are hoping to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019-20 and know that each early win is crucial in building that foundation.

Key Players to Watch

• Connor Zary (Calgary Flames): After scoring the overtime winner in the opener, Zary is riding high on confidence. His offensive contributions will be key in maintaining Calgary’s high-scoring form.
• Morgan Frost (Philadelphia Flyers): Frost’s coolness under pressure in the shootout highlights his role as a potential game-changer for the Flyers. Look for him to be involved in critical moments.
• Samuel Ersson (Philadelphia Flyers): With a strong performance in the opener, Ersson could be the backbone of Philadelphia’s defense as they face Calgary’s potent offense.

Outlook for the Season

Both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons, with Calgary having missed the playoffs for two straight years and Philadelphia aiming to end their postseason drought. The early signs are positive for both clubs, but the long season ahead will test their consistency and depth.

For Calgary, building on the resilience shown in their opener will be crucial to maintaining momentum. Their ability to adjust tactically and handle adversity in the first game shows they are prepared for the ups and downs of the season. Coach Ryan Huska’s focus on responsible play and composure will be critical to their success.

Philadelphia, under John Tortorella’s leadership, is embracing a patient approach, balancing veteran presence with the development of promising young talent. The Flyers’ gritty, defensive-minded style was evident in their opener, and if they can continue to find ways to win close games, they’ll have a shot at breaking their playoff drought.

Saturday’s game will offer a clearer picture of both teams’ trajectories, as the Flames aim to ride their offensive surge and the Flyers look to keep up their defensive discipline.