Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
Where: PPG PAINTS Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
When: Saturday, February 25, 2017 – 8:00 PM ET
Line: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins – view all NHL lines
NHL News and Predictions
- 2017 NHL Draft Winners and Losers
- TopBet Writers’ 2017 NHL Mock Draft Projections
- 2017-18 NHL Season Early Stanley Cup Futures Odds
Betting on the Philadelphia Flyers (28-25-7, 63 points)
The reeling Flyers continued their struggles Wednesday night, as they were easily dispatched by the Capitals, 4-1. It was the 20th time this season that they gave up four or more goals in a game.
With the defeat, Philly has now lost five of their last seven, which is obviously not good if you’re a team that is in the hunt for the playoffs.
They last faced the Penguins on October 29th, where they lost in an entertaining 5-4 affair. The Flyers’ goalies, Michael Neuvirth and Steve Mason, both got blasted and combined to have a horrid 81.4 save percentage for the contest (22-for-27). They collectively post a 89.6 save percentage this season, a key reason why the team is 26th in goals allowed (183) and dead-last in save percentage.
More of the same unappealing numbers can be seen on offense (19th in points, 21st in goals), although guys like Wayne Simmonds (25 G, 17 A), Jakub Voracek (15 G, 34 A), and Brayden Schenn (19 G, 20 A) are players who can be good when they’re on. Simmonds and Voracek are both top 15 in the league in goals and assists, respectively.
Despite being worthy of the “mediocre” label, as evidenced by being a “bubble” team, the Flyers are executing well when they have a man-advantage (as every team should). They are second in power play goals (43) and ninth in power play percentage (21.8).
Betting on the Pittsburgh Penguins (37-14-8, 82 points)
Entering last Tuesday’s game, the Penguins were staggering a bit, as they were losers of back-to-back, one of which was a 5-2 beating in the hands of the unheralded Red Wings. Being defending Stanley Cup champions and all, they responded well by finally doing what they’re supposed to do, edging the Hurricanes, 3-1.
In the aforementioned win against the visiting Flyers, their 1-2 punch of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who are arguably the best duo in the league, powered the team by scoring a pair of goals each.
Considering the productivity of the two, the same can be expected for the upcoming meeting. Crosby’s 33 goals leads the NHL, while his 66 points is a close second to Connor McDavid. Malkin is right there with his running partner, as he is 11th in goals (25) and sixth in points (60). Through their efficiency, Pittsburgh is remaining as the best-scoring team in the league, with 82 total points and a league-leading 207 goals.
Over on defense, we should see Matthew Murray continue his good showing. He has a 93.9 save percentage in his last 13 games (382-for-407), along with a 8-3-2 card and a 1.92 GAA.
Writer’s Prediction
The Penguins win, 3-1.
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