It’s always sunny in Philadelphia as the Pittsburgh Penguins face the Flyers in Game 3 of their best-of-seven opening round Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference series. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here with Last Word On Hockey. Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. In tonight’s matchup, the Flyers look to take a commanding 3-0 lead over the Penguins.
NHL Predictions featuring the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins
Regular Season Head-to-Head: Flyers 2-2 Penguins
Playoff Series: Flyers 2-0 Penguins
How to Watch: Sportsnet+, TVAS+, SN360, SNO, SNE, SNP, TVAS, HBO MAX, TNT, truTV, NBCSP, SN-PIT
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Penguins Story
Credit Image: © Chris Szagola/Cal Sport Media
Pittsburgh comes into game three off a 3-0 loss to the Flyers in Game Two. Down 2-0 in the series, Pittsburgh doesn’t really have much to be proud of except the play of Stuart Skinner. Skinner has continued to quell the doubts in his ability, saving 22 shots out of 24 in the loss. As for the rest of the team, they followed up one of their worst performances of the year in Game 1 with maybe the worst all season in Game 2. The team lacked any kind of drive, and barely produced any kind of momentum. They were thoroughly outmatched by the Flyers once again. They will need to completely change the way they’re playing in order to stand a chance of coming back in the series.
Outside of the aforementioned goaltender, there aren’t many players to highlight after game two. Rookie Benjamin Kindel may have had the best scoring chance in the third period on the power play. However, a defensive stick prevented the young player from scoring on a wide-open cage. Past that, this Penguins team has played their worst playoff hockey since being swept in 2013 by the Boston Bruins. Just like that series, not many players have been able to truly break through Philadelphia’s defensive style in this one. This has led to just two goals scored through the first two games on home ice in Pittsburgh.
Expect Stuart Skinner to start once again in Game 3. However, now is a good time to remind you to always check official lineups before placing any bets.
Flyers Story
Things have been flipped on their head relative to how the season was going at the halfway point, just a few months ago. Where it seemed the Flyers were rudderless, not too close to a playoff spot but also not too close to the bottom of the standings, the last couple of months have turned things on their head. Now, the Philadelphia Flyers have a ton to look forward to as a result of this series. Heading back to Philadelphia with a 2-0 series lead, winning even one of the two games that will be played in the city of Philadelphia will be enough to put a stranglehold on the biggest rivals this team has.
Maybe the biggest story of the game was once again rookie sensation Porter Martone. Chosen sixth overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Martone scored four goals and 10 points in the first nine regular-season games of his career. He’s followed this up with two goals in two playoff games, both of which were the game winners of their respective games. Veteran forward Garnet Hathaway had himself a big game as well, scoring a shorthanded goal that gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead. After a tough regular season for Hathaway, this was a big game for him. Finally, it was Luke Glendening who got the empty net goal that put the game away at 3-0.
Expect Daniel Vladar to start a net once again. The veteran netminder stopped all 27 saves to get the shutout in this game. He’s had an incredible run in these playoffs so far, holding the Penguins to two goals over 120 minutes.
Prediction
Things are looking as dire as they have all season long for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Philadelphia Flyers, meanwhile, are playing with house money, up 2-0 with game three at home. Expect the Flyers to battle hard, take extra risks, and come away with a commanding 3-0 lead in the series after this game.
Prediction: Flyers win Game Three 5-2
Prop Bet of the Night
While this has been a lower-scoring series so far, the Penguins are going to put their best foot forward and try to crack Daniel Vladar in this game. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has been opportunistic enough in their chances, and will likely score a good amount themselves. A popular prop bet of goals over six with odds of +106 is a good one.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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