Free Pick: Islanders vs. Flames Odds
Looking for New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames free NHL predictions? NHL betting sees the Islanders taking on the Flames on 1/17 at Scotiabank Saddledome, in Calgary. This free NHL pick is based on matchup analysis and documented handicapping data tracked by CappersPicks since 2004, with a focus on identifying the strongest betting angle for this Islanders Flames matchup.
2026 NHL Handicapping – New York Islanders vs Calgary Flames
(26-16) New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames (20-23)
Date: Jan 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB
NHL Moneyline Odds: Islanders -112 | Flames -107 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NHL Puck Line Betting Odds: Islanders -1.5 | Flames +1.5
NHL Hockey Gambling Total: O/U: 5.5
Here’s why I’m backing a New York ML bet below in my Islanders Flames free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
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Islanders vs. Flames Gameday
The New York Islanders head west to the Scotiabank Saddledome looking to keep pace near the top of the Metropolitan. New York enters at 26-16-5, sitting second in the division, while Calgary checks in at 20-23-4 and seventh in the Pacific.
The Islanders’ recent stretch has swung both ways. A 1-0 shutout win in Edmonton showed exactly how dangerous they can be when Ilya Sorokin is locked in, while the 5-4 loss to Winnipeg reminded everyone how quickly games can tilt when structure slips.
Calgary comes in off a 3-1 win over Chicago behind steady goaltending from Dustin Wolf. At the same time, the 5-3 loss to Columbus summed up much of their season, where solid moments get interrupted by defensive lapses.
Western trips tend to expose teams that lose focus for even five minutes.
This is the first meeting between these clubs this season after Calgary edged New York in their last matchup a year ago. The puck drops with both sides looking to prove that result was not a coincidence.
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New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames Odds & Last 5
New York holds a slight edge in the market at -112 on the moneyline, with Calgary close behind at -107. The Islanders sit at -1.5 on the puck line at +222, signaling expectations of a tight game.
The Islanders’ last five have featured narrow outcomes, including the shutout win over Edmonton and the one-goal loss to Winnipeg. Those games usually come down to late execution rather than volume.
Calgary has followed a similar pattern, beating Chicago before falling to Columbus. Close games have been the norm, and small mistakes have carried outsized weight.
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Flames Stats
Calgary has bounced between results lately, beating Chicago 3-1 before dropping a 5-3 decision to Columbus. Consistency remains the missing ingredient.
Mikael Backlund continues to drive offense, posting a goal and an assist against Chicago and totaling 12 goals with 19 assists on the season. His line usually sets the tone.
The Flames generate chances, ranking 9th with 1,376 shots on goal. Converting those looks has been hit or miss, reflected in a power play that sits 15th with 21 goals.
In net, Dustin Wolf has faced heavy volume and responded with 878 saves. Calgary has allowed 130 goals, ranking 10th, making defensive support a nightly priority.
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Islanders Stats
The Islanders sit 17th in goals with 135 and 21st in assists with 218. Shot volume has been steady, ranking 17th with 1,300 attempts.
Defensively, New York trades physicality for positioning. They rank 26th in hits but make up ground with 713 blocks, good for 12th, and strong work in the faceoff circle.
Recent games have stayed tight, including the 1-0 win over Edmonton and the 5-4 loss to Winnipeg. Those margins usually come down to one breakdown.
Sorokin remains central to everything, owning 744 saves with 69 goals against. When he controls rebounds, New York controls games.
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames bottom line: tight margins, steady goaltending, and patience likely decide which side grabs the points.
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames Hockey Betting Trends
- Calgary has lost three of their last five games this season.
- In their last five games, the Flames have scored an average of 2 goals per game.
- Also, the Flames have allowed an average of 3 goals against per game in their last five outings.
- New York has won three of their last five games this season.
- Additionally, the Islanders have scored a total of 19 goals in their last five games.
- The Islanders have allowed an average of 2 goals against per game in their last five outings.
Islanders Flames Free Pick: Islanders ML -112
Here is my Islanders Flames free pick: New York has quietly steadied itself, winning three of its last five games while looking far more balanced than earlier stretches.
The Islanders’ offense has found rhythm, scoring 19 goals in that span, but the bigger story has been structure. Allowing just two goals per game gives them breathing room even when games tighten.
Calgary hasn’t enjoyed the same stability, dropping three of its last five. Scoring has been an issue, with the Flames averaging only two goals per game during that stretch.
Defensively, Calgary has also leaked chances, surrendering three goals per game. That’s not ideal against a team comfortable playing with a lead.
Because New York can win games without turning them chaotic, they’re usually in control once momentum shifts.
Balanced teams tend to survive nights when offense dips.
The Islanders don’t need fireworks to get results.
Calgary, meanwhile, has struggled to respond when chasing games.
Confidence matters, and New York has shown more of it lately. At the end of the day, form and consistency outweigh home ice here.
I’m backing the Islanders on the ML at -112.
Today’s NHL Free Pick
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NHL Betting Tweet Of The Day
It’s the 26th annual Scotiabank #HockeyDay in Canada with all seven Canadian teams hitting the ice on @Sportsnet during a 13-game Saturday. 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/MRy2i8D5RZ
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) January 17, 2026
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