Flyers vs. Penguins Prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins have reassumed control of their series with the Philadelphia Flyers by winning the last two games. Is Pittsburgh going to close it out in Game 5 with a third straight victory?
Game Snapshot
7 Philadephia Flyers at 8 Pittsburgh Penguins
Friday, April 20, 2018
PPG Paints Arena at 7PM ET
TV: NBCSN
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Penguins are a -245 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Flyers are a +205 underdog, while the total sits at 6 goals. As of Friday afternoon, 78 percent of public bets are pouring in on host Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Murray stellar again
Much is made of Pittsburgh’s offense when it is rolling, but the back end has been solid as well and 23-year-old goaltender Matt Murray has been in good form three of the four games. Murray stopped all 26 shots sent his way in Game 4 for his second shutout of the series against Philly, while in the other win he only surrendered one goal. Murray finished the regular season 27-16-3 with a 2.92 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
Couturier questionable for Game 5
Philadelphia star center Sean Couturier missed Game 4 with a lower leg injury after a practice collision the day before the game. Couturier is questionable for Game 5 and would be a major loss again if he misses another game. He racked up 31 goals and 45 assists in 82 games during the regular season, not missing a single game which makes the timing of this all so undesirable. If Couturier does manage to play, it would give a boost to a Flyers squad that has only scored a total of 1 goal in their three losses but did have a five-goal outburst in the one win.
NHL Betting Trends
Philadelphia
The Flyers are 1-7 in the last eight meetings. The over is 6-1-2 in the last nine meetings.
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 10-2 in their last 12 conference quarterfinals games. Pittsburgh is 6-2 in its last eight meetings at home against Philadelphia.
Prediction:
This one has the makings of a game with a lot of goals. Murray, with the season he had, should experience some regression. Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t likely to be slowed down at home. Couturier might return which would help. Plus, these two teams far more often than not hit the over against each other. Bet on the over 6.
https://www.thespread.com/nhl-scores-matchups
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: FLYERS/PENGUINS OVER 6