Colorado Avalanche vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions March 31st 2025

The Calgary Flames are running out of time to secure a playoff spot, and Monday’s showdown against the Colorado Avalanche presents a make-or-break opportunity. With the season series already favoring Colorado, Calgary must step up to avoid being swept and to keep their postseason dreams alive.

Flames Clinging to Playoff Hopes

Calgary (34-26-12, 80 points) currently sits seven points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. However, the Flames have three games in hand, offering a glimmer of hope as they approach the final stretch of the season.

They come into Monday’s contest following a 3-2 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers, a game where Nazem Kadri reached the 700-point milestone in his career. Despite the setback, Kadri remains optimistic.

“You can’t get discouraged. I think that’s encouraging more than anything,” Kadri said. “That’s the funny thing about hockey. Sometimes you play great and lose. And sometimes you don’t play so great and win. We continue to repeat that, I think I like our chances.”

Kadri, who played a key role in Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, leads Calgary in goals (30) and is tied with Jonathan Huberdeau for the team’s top-scoring spot with 58 points. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar is also contributing significantly with 41 points (seven goals, 34 assists).

The Flames have lost two straight after previously winning four in a row, making this matchup against the Avalanche even more critical.

Avalanche Aiming to Rebound from Costly Loss

Colorado (45-26-3, 93 points) had been surging up the standings before their 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. That defeat ended an 11-game home winning streak and put a dent in their push to catch the Dallas Stars for second place in the Central Division.

The Avalanche trail Dallas by seven points and have played one more game, making every contest crucial as the regular season winds down.

Nathan MacKinnon scored Colorado’s lone goal against St. Louis, extending his incredible home point streak to 24 games. His 109 points (30 goals, 79 assists) tie him with Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov in the NHL’s scoring race. Meanwhile, Cale Makar’s 84 points (27 goals, 57 assists) lead all defensemen this season.

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Trade Deadline Moves Bolstering Avalanche

Colorado made several key additions before the trade deadline, acquiring centers Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle, as well as defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Lindgren’s presence has been particularly important with Josh Manson sidelined due to an upper-body injury.

“His addition, and with (Erik Johnson), has become more important with guys missing time again,” coach Jared Bednar said. “Adding that depth, that’s why you do it, so you can be as strong as you can when everyone’s healthy and still have other options who can help win hockey games. He’s a big part of that.”

With Colorado winning the first two matchups of the season series in Calgary, Monday’s game presents the Flames with a last chance to avoid a sweep. But more importantly, it’s a must-win if they want to keep their playoff aspirations alive.

For betting odds and expert analysis on this matchup, visit NHL odds and picks.