The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins kick off round one. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey. Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for games around the NHL. In tonight’s matchup, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia renew a classic rivalry in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions featuring the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins
Regular Season Head-to-Head: Flyers 2-2 Penguins
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, TVAS+, SN, TVAS, ESPN, SN-PIT, NBCSP
Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Penguins Story
Pittsburgh comes into the series with not a lot of momentum. They dropped three straight games to end the season; however, it should be noted that the Penguins did rest anywhere from the third to nearly half of their regular lineup in each of those three games. Prior to that stretch, Pittsburgh was 4-1 in their five games leading up to clinching a playoff spot. The Penguins will be relying on an explosive offence and their special teams in order to get the victory, as they have for much of the season.
Image: © Chris Szagola/Cal Sport Media
The big guns are also the biggest players to watch in this game. Sidney Crosby will be flanked by Bryan Rust and the recently promoted Egor Chinakhov. After being moved from the Columbus Blue Jackets to Pittsburgh, Chinakhov was glued to Evgeni Malkin’s wing prior to an injury to Malkin. Since then, Chinakhov’s meshed well on the top line and found a home there. In the exchange, Malkin’s line now consists of former top-line winger Rickard Rakell, and Anthony Mantha. The team also has a terrific shutdown fourth line, with Blake Lizotte, Connor Dewar and Noel Acciari ready to play the hard minutes. From the blue line, look for Erik Karlsson. The Swedish star has had an incredible season, scoring 66 points in 75 games while being the team’s MVP.
Although the starter for this game hasn’t been announced, it’s likely that Stuart Skinner gets the nod. Skinner went 12-9-5 with an .885 save percentage following a trade from the Edmonton Oilers. However, now is a good time to remind you to always check official lineups before placing bets.
Flyers Story
The Philadelphia Flyers did not expect to be in the position they’re in. However, they’re playing in the first round of the playoffs against their cross-state rivals. The Flyers are one of the hottest teams in the league, especially since the Olympic break. Their defensive play and shutdown ability will be a key to winning in this game. Philadelphia’s special teams, on the other hand, struggled this season, placing 22nd on the penalty kill and dead last on the power play. This is an important part of their game they’ll need to shore up should chances come to either team.
The biggest X-factor in this game, apart from their goaltender, is centre Trevor Zegras. In his first season with Philadelphia after a move from the Anaheim Ducks, Zegras had 26 goals and 67 points in 81 games. This was a career high in goals and points for the forward. Another player to watch out for is young gun Matvei Michkov. After a slow start, Michkov found his footing and ended the season with 20 goals and 50 points. Watch for him and rookie Porter Martone to get a ton of opportunities in this game and in the series. Defensively, Travis Sanheim leads the charge. Sanheim scored 11 goals and 37 points in 81 games this season.
In net, expect Dan Vladar to get the start. Vladar’s come into his own in his first season with the Flyers. He comes into this series with a 29-14-7 record and a .906 save percentage.
Prediction
Although the Flyers hold the momentum, the veteran core of the Penguins is sure to come out hot to start the series. Playing in front of a home crowd in the playoffs for the first time in three years, expect the Penguins to come away with the victory.
Penguins win Game 1: 5-3
Prop Bet of the Night
Expecting a high-scoring game to start the series, a popular prop bet of goals over 7 with odds of +172 is a good one.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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