NHL Predictions: Can Flyers hold off Crosby, Penguins? 3/7/18

Penguins vs. Flyers Pick

Are the host Philadelphia Flyers equipped to record a home victory tonight when they play the cross-state Pittsburgh Penguins at 8PM ET?

3 Pittsburgh Penguins at 4 Philadelphia Flyers, 8PM ET

CURRENT ODDS

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the moneyline is set at a pick’em with both the Penguins and the Flyers listed at -110. The total is set at 6 goals.

Bet NHL Action For Wednesday, March 7, 2018

LINE MOVEMENT

The line opened at a pick’em most places with some showing the Penguins as a slight favorite. The total opened at 6 goals and has remained there. Philadelphia can be found anywhere from a -110 line down to -103, while Pittsburgh ranges from -110 to -105. The total is at 6 goals at every sportsbook.

PUBLIC BETTING

As of Wednesday afternoon, 67 percent of public bets have come in on the visiting Penguins. Online wager info also shows that 72 percent of bets are being placed on the over.

INJURY TO WATCH

Pittsburgh goaltender Matt Murray is out indefinitely with a brain injury, while center Zach Aston-Reese is out indefinitely with an upper body injury. For the Flyers, right winger Wayne Simmonds is probable with an upper body injury. Defensemen Johnny Oduya and Andrew MacDonald are both questionable with lower body injuries.

BETTING STRATEGY

Pittsburgh won the first two meetings this season and overall have won eight of the last 10 meetings. The over has gone 7-2-1. Pittsbugh comes in on a two-game win streak, but has lost its last two road games. Philadelphia comes in on a three-game losing streak, but two of the contests were on the road. The Flyers are still 6-4 over their last 10 contests, while the Penguins are 7-3. In a matchup where the in-state rivalry can lead to extra intense hockey, I like the hosts to get the job done here. They want to get some revenge over the last two meetings this season and I think they benefit from having an extra day of rest coming in. Go with the home team here.

 

NHL DAILY PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA FLYERS -110