Pennsylvania rivals face-off as the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Philadelphia Flyers. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In the final game before the Four Nations Face-Off, both of these teams are looking to gauge where their roster is at prior to the break.
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Head-to-Head: Penguins 1-0 Flyers
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia; AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh; ESPN+
This is the second matchup between these teams this season. The Penguins took a 7-3 win over the Flyers back in December in their first encounter.
The Penguins’ Story
The Penguins are 23-24-9, having won three of their last four games. The Penguins record has placed them third-last in the Eastern Conference. Following a win over the New York Rangers last night, the Penguins will need another strong effort from their depth. Captain Sidney Crosby missed the game against New York and is likely to miss another as he gears up to act as captain for Team Canada. Franchise star Evgeni Malkin is also out with injury.
These injuries have left the team with a lack of forward depth. Rickard Rakell leads the way offensively, with a point against the Rangers, he has 47 points through 55 games. He’s quickly making himself a valuable trade piece at the deadline. Veteran Bryan Rust is having a fantastic offensive season as well, scoring 42 points in 48 games.
The Flyers’ Story
The Philadelphia Flyers are 23-26-7, sitting second-last in the East. With a 3-6-1 record in their last 10, the team is looking to gain some momentum heading into the break. Travis Konecy leads the team in scoring with 59 in 56 games. Rookie star Matvei Michkov is behind him, with 36 points in 54 games through his inaugural NHL season.
A lack of scoring has been an issue plaguing the Flyers all season. Behind Konecy and Michkov, Owen Tippett is the only other player to score 30 or more points through 56 games played. In addition to an anemic offence, the Flyers’ goaltending situation leaves a lot to be desired. Samuel Errsson is 15-10-3 with an .894 save percentage. Errsson was expected to take a step this season, but his play has been rocky. However, without Crosby and Malkin, whichever Flyer goalie starts this game won’t have to worry about the two of the biggest threats on the Penguins.
Prediction
Given the Flyers’ recent struggles and the uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s availability, this is likely to be a tight one. However, Rakell, Rust, and players like Philip Tomasino have shown the ability to provide some depth scoring. Expect the Penguins to continue their momentum heading into the break.
Prediction: Penguins win 3-2.
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over-4 (-650) – Considering both teams’ recent offensive struggles and key injuries, a low-scoring game is likely between these long-time rivals.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: February 8 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.