Flyers vs. Penguins Prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins thoroughly dominated at home in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series versus the Philadelphia Flyers. Will Pittsburgh make it two wins in a row tonight as they host Game 2?
Game Snapshot
51 Philadelphia Flyers at 52 Pittsburgh Flyers
Friday, April 13, 2018
PPG Paints Arena at 7PM ET
TV: NBCSN
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Penguins are a -210 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Flyers are a +175 underdog, while the total is set at 6 goals. As of Friday morning, 68 percent of bets are pouring in on host Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for all the latest odds.
Crosby shined in Game 1
The 7-0 rout by the Penguins over Philadelphia in Game 1 was highlighted by a natural hat trick from center Sidney Crosby. Technically the game was already out of hand as Crosby scored the last three goals of the contest after it was 4-0, but it is a great sign for Pittsburgh that its biggest star is starting the playoffs in such great fashion. Bryan Rust, Carl Hagelin, Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel each added one goal apiece in the rout. Not to be forgotten, goaltender Matt Murray stopped all 24 shots sent his way for the shutout. As for Crosby, he completed the season with 29 goals and 60 assists in 82 games. He is still the unquestioned leader of the Penguins and as long as he is rolling, Pittsburgh will have a chance in the postseason.
Flyers have goaltending quandary
Philadelphia head coach Dave Hakstol gave the starting nod to Brian Elliott in Game 1, but he was downright awful in giving up five goals on 19 shots before being yanked nine minutes into the second period. Petr Mrazek wasn’t great in relief, but was at least better as he stopped 12 of 14 shots. Hakstol indicated after the game that he is leaning toward Elliott starting Game 2, although everything is always subject to change so keep an eye on any official information today. Mrazek came over in a trade from Detroit at the deadline, but he hasn’t exactly been a savior with a 3.22 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage in 17 games (15 starts) with Philadelphia. Elliott put up better numbers in 43 regular season games (42 starts) with a 2.66 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Not outstanding numbers, but in front of a so-so defense it isn’t terrible and any goalie can have a poor outing against the Penguins.
NHL Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The over is 10-1 in the last 11 Flyers games versus the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia is 0-4 in its last four games after allowing three or more goals in the previous game. The Flyers are 0-5 in the last five meetings with the Penguins.
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 6-1 in their last seven meetings versus the Flyers in Pittsburgh. The over is 7-0 in the last seven Pittsburgh games playing on one day of rest. The Penguins are 8-1 in their last nine Eastern Conference quarterfinal games.
Prediction:
Part of me is very tempted to predict the Flyers as a team that gets blown out by seven goals should have sufficient motivation the next time out. But Pittsburgh has had Philadelphia’s number for a while now with five straight victories head-to-head, so on the road and with those kind of odds I’l pass. Instead, I’m looking at the over. The total has gone over in six straight meetings and in eight of the last nine. Seems like that trend is bound to continue as I don’t see Philly holding down the Pittsburgh offense, but the Flyers should find their way to some goals tonight. Roll with the over in this one.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: FLYERS/PENGUINS OVER 6