The 2025-26 NHL season delivers a Pacific Division rivalry matchup as the Vegas Golden Knights visit the Calgary Flames. Vegas, holding a playoff spot with strong defensive play, looks to rebound from a recent shootout loss while extending its road success. Calgary, fighting to climb out of the division basement, aims to build on a gritty home win amid offensive struggles. With both teams emphasizing physicality and special teams, this late-night clash could hinge on goaltending and timely scoring, potentially impacting Wild Card races early in the campaign.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This 19,289-seat arena has been the Flames’ home since 1983 and is known for its passionate fans and challenging environment for visiting teams.
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (8:00 PM MT local time). The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Team Records
Vegas Golden Knights: 16-6-10 (42 points), 2nd in the Pacific Division.
Calgary Flames: 14-17-4 (32 points), 6th in the Pacific Division.
Recent Team Forms
Vegas has been steady, going 3-1-1 in their last five games, with a recent 2-1 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils on December 17. Prior results include a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers on December 7, a 3-0 shutout of the Devils on December 5, a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on December 2, and a 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders on December 9. The Golden Knights have averaged 3.0 goals for and 2.4 against, with a power play at 22% and penalty kill at 85%, showcasing balanced play but occasional lapses in close games.
Calgary snapped a potential slide with a 4-2 home win over the Seattle Kraken on December 18, going 3-2-0 in their last five. Earlier games included a 4-3 overtime win, but losses like 1-4 to the San Jose Sharks on December 16 and others highlight inconsistencies. The Flames have averaged 2.8 goals for and 3.0 against, with a power play at 20% and penalty kill at 82%, relying on opportunistic scoring but struggling defensively.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Goals For/Against (Last 5) | PP% (Season) | PK% (Season) |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 3-1-1 | L1 | 15/12 | 22.5% | 84.8% |
| Calgary Flames | 3-2-0 | W1 | 14/15 | 19.2% | 80.6% |
Series History
The Flames have a 10-15-3 record against the Golden Knights all-time, with Vegas dominating recently (18-10 overall per some sources, but Calgary holds 10 wins). In 28 meetings, Vegas has won 18, including recent matchups. Games often feature close scores, averaging 5.5 goals, with the home team winning 60% of the time. This is the second matchup this season; Vegas won the first 4-2 on October 14, 2025.
Injury Report
Vegas Golden Knights: Center Jack Eichel (Out – Lower-body injury, day-to-day but missing the road trip). Defenseman Shea Theodore (Out – Upper-body injury, expected out until at least December 27). Forward William Karlsson (Out – Lower-body injury).
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Calgary Flames: Forward Sam Honzek (Out – Upper-body surgery, out six months). Defenseman Zayne Parekh (Out – Upper-body injury). Defenseman Kevin Bahl (Out – Illness). Forward Jonathan Huberdeau (Day-to-day – Undisclosed).
Player Matchups
This divisional tilt spotlights several pivotal battles:
Mark Stone (VGK, RW) vs. Jonathan Huberdeau (CGY, LW): Stone (12 goals, defensive forward) could exploit Huberdeau’s day-to-day status, but if playing, Huberdeau’s playmaking (10 assists) tests Vegas’ transition defense.
Ivan Barbashev (VGK, LW) vs. Nazem Kadri (CGY, C): Barbashev’s energy (8 goals) faces Kadri’s veteran savvy (11 goals), a center-wing clash for possession.
Shea Theodore (VGK, D) vs. Yegor Sharangovich (CGY, RW): Theodore (out, upper-body) absence shifts burden to others against Sharangovich’s speed (9 goals).
Adin Hill (VGK, G) vs. Dustin Wolf (CGY, G): Hill (2.45 GAA) vs. Wolf (2.65 GAA), in a goaltending duel where Vegas’ experience edges out.
Vegas’ depth gives them an advantage despite injuries.
Betting Trends
As of December 19, 2025, Vegas is favored across major sportsbooks. Key lines: Golden Knights moneyline (-145), Flames (+125); puck line Golden Knights -1.5 (+140); total O/U 6.5 (over -110 / under -110). Trends: Golden Knights are 5-2 in their last 7 as road favorites; under is 6-2-1 in Vegas’ last 9 vs. teams with losing records. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 home games; over is 4-1 in Calgary’s last 5 vs. Pacific Division foes. Head-to-head, Vegas is 15-10-3 all-time vs. Calgary, with unders in 5 of the last 7 meetings.
Game Odds
Vegas Golden Knights – 130
Calgary Flames 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
