Shut out by the Blue Jackets yesterday, the Flyers are now eight points out of the playoffs and barring a miraculous run with just eight games remaining on their schedule – their season is over. They’ll start playing spoiler to their division rivals almost immediately when they take on the Penguins in Pittsburgh this evening in the second half of their weekend doubleheader.
For the Pens, this is a must-win matchup if they want to have a shot at the Metropolitan. They sit three points back of the leading Capitals and will finish out their regular season on a three-game road trip. It’s been night and day for Pittsburgh at home and on the road so if the Pens don’t take the division lead in their next four games (three of which are in Pittsburgh), it’s not very likely they win it.
When these state rivals last met, the Flyers took a 4-0 result in Philly as a pretty big underdog but I wouldn’t expect that to happen again tonight. The Pens had an off day and were limited to just 23 shots in the contest. Pittsburgh averages over 36 shots per game at the PPG Paints Arena so Steve Mason (8-18 SU record with an .896 save percentage on the road) has his work cut out for him.
I’ll be taking a look at the Penguins on the puckline tonight on a price being offered at +130.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Pittsburgh Penguins as -220 favorites earlier today. The over under opened at 6 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
A 2.7-2.6 result in favor of the Flyers is the prediction by the Odds Shark handicapping pick engine. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Penguins sit at 46-17-11 on the season; in comparison, the Philadelphia Flyers are currently 34-32-8. Looking to wager on the totals? Pittsburgh is 43-27-4 OU, and Philadelphia is 32-33-9 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia injuries news.
The NHL Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Pittsburgh Penguins rated this week at No. 10 and the Philadelphia Flyers sitting at No. 20.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Pittsburgh's No. 1-ranked offense, averaging 3.46 goals per game, against a Flyers defense that ranks No. 24 at 2.95 goals allowed. The Penguins power play is averaging 22.22% while the Flyers defense kills off 79.82% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Philadelphia lost its last outing, a 1-0 result against the Blue Jackets on March 25. Bettors who backed the Blue Jackets at -173 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (1) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.
Last time out for Pittsburgh, they were a 4-3 loser as they battled the Islanders at home. Moneyline bettors who got the Islanders at +167 were rewarded, while the 7 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Philadelphia home to Ottawa, Tuesday, March 28th
Pittsburgh home to Chicago, Wednesday, March 29th