Ahead of the game: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Calgary Flames

There will be no rest for the Calgary Flames as the Toronto Maple Leafs pay the Saddledome a visit on Thursday.  It’s a situation the team should get used to as they try to make up for games postponed due to their stint in COVID Protocol.  Here’s what to look for ahead of tonight’s game, betting odds included.

Well, the Leafs are in town.

The Calgary Flames face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight in their second game in consecutive nights.  I have a personal dislike for the Leafs, which you’ll be able to read more about in Friday’s “My Thoughts” piece.  Besides that, here’s what I’ll be looking at tonight.

Marky Goes Again

Though unconfirmed as of writing, it appears that Jacob Markstrom will start on Thursday.  Much has been made among the team at Flame for Thought about the need for Dan Vladar to get more starts, specifically in back-to-back situations.  Contributor Matthew Phillips pointed out, rightly, that Markstrom needs rest and that no Stanley Cup-winning goalie has exceeded 60 starts in the last 7 years.

I agree with Matthew, and everyone else espousing the opinion that Vladar needs more starts so Markstrom can rest.  However for Thursday’s game against the Leafs, I’m willing to support the decision.

Markstrom, at this point, is still well rested.  He’s had week off where he has hopefully done nothing other that enjoy 3-hour naps every day.  He earned his league-leading 8th shutout on Wednesday against Vegas.  And Thursday’s opponent is the 7th best in the entire league.  So, in my opinion, he has at least earned right of first refusal…this time.

This should NOT, however, be a habit.  The Calgary Flames have 9 back-to-backs ahead of them.  Playoff success will not come if our starter is exhausted.

Back-to-Backs

In his post-game media availiability on Wednesday, Head Coach Darryl Sutter was his usual monosyllabic self.  That was until the end of the interview (see below).  He was about to leave and he heard an inaudible question from the scrum.  He stopped and pointedly made reference to the fact that, since the All-Star break, no team had done well in their second game in back-to-backs.

He cited that neither Edmonton, Vegas nor Vancouver had won their second in consecutive outings.  And he illustrated his point with a thumbs down.

This is clearly Sutter-speak, to both players and fans alike, for “be ready.  The second game ain’t gonna be easy.”

Betting Odds

According to WynnBET, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 1.5-point favourites on the road.  Interestingly, the Flames are favoured to cover the 1.5 goals at 1.5 odds.  The Leafs have 1.71 moneyline odds, while the Flames are the home ‘dogs at a whopping 2.20.  The total for the game is set at an over/under of 6.0 with the over being favoured at 1.80.

Here’s hoping the Leafs go home with their tail firmly planted between their legs.