Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions December 29th 2024

Vegas Golden Knights vs Calgary Flames December 29th 2024

Looking to win big? The Flames and Golden Knights face off at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The Golden Knights are hosting the game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The over/under for this game is set at 6 goals, and the Golden Knights are favored by -1.5 against the Flames in a Pacific division matchup.

Calgary vs. Vegas Key Information

• Teams: Flames at Golden Knights
• Where: T-Mobile Arena Las Vegas
• Date: Sunday, December 29th
• Betting Odds VEG -241 | CGY +200 O/U 6

The Flames Can Win If…

Calgary’s 4-2 loss to the Oilers dropped them to 17-11-7 for the season. The Flames trailed early, giving up a goal just 20 seconds into the first period.

The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined score reached only 6. As underdogs on the puck line, Calgary failed to cover.

Calgary’s offense was held to just two goals in their 4-2 loss to Edmonton. Anthony Mantha netted his 4th goal of the season, while Yegor Sharangovich added his 1st. The Flames fired 31 shots on goal but were hindered by 22 giveaways.

Mantha’s goal came on a power play in the 2nd period, and Sharangovich followed with a goal in the 3rd. Tyson Barrie picked up his 1st assist of the season, and Mikael Backlund recorded his 4th assist on Mantha’s goal.

Calgary’s defense got off to a rough start, conceding the first two goals of the game to Edmonton. The first came just 20 seconds into the opening period, followed by another at the 11:48 mark. After the Flames tied it 2-2, their defense gave up a power-play goal 10:10 into the 3rd period and an empty-netter with just 3 seconds left. Dan Vladar made 27 saves, finishing with a 90% save percentage.

• Over their last three games, the Flames have gone 2-1 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 3-0 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 1-2 in those same games.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Flames have gone 5-5 straight up. Their record vs the puck line sits at 7-3 in these matchups, while posting a 6-4 over-under mark.

The Golden Knights Can Win If…

Vegas improved to 24-8-3 with a 4-3 overtime win against Utah. The Golden Knights were favored by -1.5 goals, but couldn’t cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the 7 combined goals pushed the game over.

Utah jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Vegas responded with four unanswered goals. Four different players scored for the Golden Knights, with Brett Howden netting the game-winner at 2:15 in overtime.

In their most recent game, the Golden Knights fired 35 shots on goal but only found the back of the net four times. Brett Howden’s 6th goal of the season came in overtime, while William Karlsson added his 2nd goal of the year. Pavel Dorofeyev opened the scoring for Vegas with his 7th goal, and Noah Hanifin followed with his 2nd.

Hanifin also contributed two assists, bringing his total to 5 this season. Tomas Hertl picked up his 8th assist on Dorofeyev’s goal, and Mark Stone added his 15th assist on Howden’s overtime winner. The Golden Knights had 13 giveaways in the game.

Adin Hill made 16 saves with a save percentage of 84.2% in the Golden Knights’ win over Utah Hockey Club. Vegas’ defense finished with 10 takeaways and 22 hits. The Golden Knights gave up the first two goals of the game and another late in the 3rd period, but they held Utah scoreless in overtime, leading to a 4-3 win.

• Over their last three games, the Golden Knights have gone 3-0 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 3-0 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 2-1 in those same games.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Vegas has a record of 9-1. In these contests, the team went just 8-2 against the spread, while going 3-7 on the over-under.

The Lean

For those seeking a straight moneyline bet, the Golden Knights are the top choice. Nonetheless, with a payout of -241, you might want to use this bet as a part of a parlay to get better odds.

When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Flames to cover. Even in the event of a Golden Knights victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Flames should cover the puck line.

When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will remain below that figure, and we recommend wagering on the under.

Aaron Bradshaw, Ohio State Set Sights on Indiana State

Ohio State takes on Indiana State in their final non-conference matchup on Sunday afternoon in Columbus, Ohio, as the Buckeyes prepare to transition into Big Ten play. With the return of center Aaron Bradshaw, Ohio State (8-4) is closing in on full strength and looking to build momentum after a statement win over Kentucky.

Ohio State’s Reinvigoration with Bradshaw

Aaron Bradshaw’s return to the lineup has provided Ohio State with a much-needed spark. The 7-foot-1 sophomore, who transferred from Kentucky, missed seven games while the university conducted an investigation into an off-court matter. In his debut against his former team on Dec. 21, Bradshaw made an immediate impact, scoring 11 points on 5-for-6 shooting in just 18 minutes during the Buckeyes’ dominant 85-65 victory over then-No. 4 Kentucky.

“Aaron plays with an intensity and a passion that I thought we missed,” said Ohio State coach Jake Diebler. “His size, rebounding ability, and rim protection are invaluable to our game plan.”

Bradshaw’s seamless reintegration into the team has boosted the Buckeyes on both ends of the floor, making him a critical piece for Ohio State as they prepare for the grind of the Big Ten schedule.

Indiana State’s High-Scoring Surge

Indiana State (8-4) enters the game on a five-game winning streak and has scored at least 80 points in each of their past six contests. Led by guard Samage Teel, who averages 17.5 points and 4.3 assists per game while shooting a stellar 58.2 percent from the field, the Sycamores have shown they can pile on points efficiently.

“This is a huge challenge, but we’re excited,” said Indiana State guard Jahni Summers. “We know we can compete at this level, and this is our chance to prove it.”

The Sycamores are fresh off a 101-53 rout of the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy, a confidence-boosting tune-up before their first-ever meeting with Ohio State.

Key Matchups to Watch

Aaron Bradshaw vs. Indiana State’s Interior Defense

Bradshaw’s size and skill will test Indiana State’s ability to protect the paint. His presence also opens up opportunities for Ohio State’s perimeter shooters and playmakers.

Ohio State’s Defense vs. Indiana State’s Scorers

Indiana State thrives in high-scoring affairs, and limiting Samage Teel’s production will be key for the Buckeyes. Teel’s efficiency and ability to find open teammates make him the engine of the Sycamores’ offense.

Tempo Control

Indiana State will aim to push the pace, but Ohio State’s defensive discipline and rebounding strength will look to disrupt the Sycamores’ rhythm.

What’s at Stake?

For Ohio State, a victory would not only close out their non-conference schedule on a high note but also solidify their rhythm as they head into the Big Ten gauntlet. Meanwhile, Indiana State has the opportunity to prove itself against a high-major opponent and carry momentum into Missouri Valley Conference play.

Discover detailed insights in NHL Atlantic Division Odds & Predictions.

Game Outlook

While Indiana State’s recent offensive success is impressive, the Sycamores face a significant test against an Ohio State team coming off a marquee win and benefiting from the return of Aaron Bradshaw. Expect the Buckeyes to use their size, depth, and defensive prowess to set the tone and dictate the game’s tempo.

Ohio State will look to avoid any letdown after their Kentucky win, with Diebler emphasizing the importance of staying focused: “We know what’s coming up, and it starts with a really good Indiana State team.”