In this article, we will formulate a Flyers vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, February 27th at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Philadelphia Flyers Betting Preview
The Philadelphia Flyers (26-26-7, 30-29 ATS) were happy to take a break during the Four Nations Face-Off and now they returned to winning ways. Namely, the Flyers were on a five-game losing skid but bounced back with three straight victories over the Penguins, Oilers, and Penguins again. The Flyers will meet the Penguins for the third time in 20 days (including the break). Philadelphia is 6th in the Metropolitan Division with 59 points, four ahead of the last-placed Pittsburgh.
The Flyers average 2.90 goals per game this year (17th), while they allow 3.27 GPG (25th). Travis Konecny is the team’s most productive player with 62 points (22 G and 40 A). Matvei Michkov has 41 points (17 G and 24 A), while Owen Tippett chips in with 33 points (17 G and 16 A).
Samuel Ersson (18-10-3) will probably take his place between the sticks for the Flyers against the Penguins on Thursday. The 25-year-old is conceding 2.76 goals per contest this season with a .896 SV% and two shutouts.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins (23-28-9, 29-31 ATS) went through a good period of the season, winning three of four games, but then returned to losing ways. The Penguins are currently on a four-game losing skid after falling to the Flyers twice, the Capitals, and Rangers. Pittsburgh is at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with 55 points, two behind the Islanders.
The Penguins score 2.83 goals per game on average (21st), while they concede 3.58 GPG (31st). This season, Sidney Crosby leads the team with 60 points (18 G and 42 A). Rickard Rakell contributes 49 points (25 G and 24 A), while Bryan Rust has 42 points (20 G and 22 A).
Alex Nedeljkovic (12-11-5) is expected to start for the Penguins at the goal on Thursday against the Flyers. The 29-year-old is allowing 3.16 goals per game this year with a .893 SV% and one shutout.
Why the Penguins will beat the Flyers
- The Flyers have lost each of their last eight games at PPG Paints Arena following a win.
- The Penguins have won three of their last four games as home underdogs following a road loss.
- The Flyers have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games as road favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games at PPG Paints Arena against opponents on a winning streak.
- The home team has won the first period in each of the last four games between the Flyers and Penguins.
Why the Flyers will beat the Penguins
- The Penguins have lost each of their last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Flyers have won seven of their last eight games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Flyers have covered the puck line in each of their last six road games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The favorites have won the first period in each of the last six games between the Flyers and Penguins.
Total Goals Facts
- Eight of the Flyers’ last nine games against the Penguins following a win have gone OVER the total goals line at PPG Paints Arena.
- Each of the last five games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Penguins’ last four games at PPG Paints Arena against opponents on a winning streak has gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Flyers’ last 11 games as road favorites against opponents on a losing streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last four home games against opponents on a winning streak.
Flyers vs Penguins Prediction
It’s hard to pick a winner here because these teams have been quite inconsistent and it seems that it’s going to be a coin toss. That’s why I am going with the goals. Pittsburgh conceded 19 goals in the last three games and 13 in the past two at home. Philadelphia is in fine scoring form of late; the Flyers scored 15 goals in the previous three games, 9 of which came against the Penguins. Three of the last four H2H duels produced 6+ goals, which occurred in each of the previous six H2Hs in Pittsburgh. I expect to see another high-scoring affair on Thursday.