The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-8-5) head to Wells Fargo Center Thursday for a meeting with the division-rival Philadelphia Flyers (13-14-6). Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Penguins vs. Flyers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Penguins enter as winners of nine-straight games, most recently a 5-3 home victory over the St. Louis Blues Wednesday. The league’s hottest team has won 14 of its last 17 games to improve to fourth in the Metropolitan Division after a shaky end of October and start of November stretch saw it slide down the standings.
The Flyers return home after a three-game California road trip that saw them go 0-3. Philadelphia has won just one of four games since play resumed following the holiday break and has scored just 9 goals across that span.
Penguins at Flyers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:37 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Penguins -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Flyers +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
- Against the spread (ATS): Penguins -1.5 (+112) | Flyers +1.5 (-140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)
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Penguins at Flyers projected goalies
Tristan Jarry (16-5-4, 1.89 GAA, .934 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Carter Hart (7-9-4, 2.76 GAA, .917 SV%, 1 SO)
Jarry has picked up a victory in his last six outings, including a 13-save relief appearance against the Blues Wednesday. He’s allowed more than 2 goals just once over his last 14 games dating back to Nov. 16 and is 1-0 with a 1.94 GAA and 0.947 SV% in his lone start versus the Flyers this season.
Hart has just two wins in his last 10 outings and has allowed 3 or more goals seven times along that span. He gave up 3 goals on 36 shots in an overtime loss to the Penguins Nov. 4.
Penguins at Flyers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Penguins 4, Flyers 2
Money line
The Penguins come in as one of the hottest teams in the league and their divisional opponents are likely to be leery following a difficult West Coast road trip. Jarry gets the nod in the head-to-head goaltending matchup as well, but the -230 tag is unfortunately too steep to be a reasonable bet, although perhaps as part of a parlay it makes sense.
PASS on the money line and look to leverage with the spread.
Against the spread
The PENGUINS -1.5 (+112) are the team to back against the spread. While the first meeting between these clubs went to overtime, these are two squads heading in vastly different directions in recent play.
There appear to be some distinct edges for the Pens beyond just the goaltending matchup, too. Pittsburgh averages 35.3 shots per game, third in the league, while the Flyers allow the second-highest mark in the league at 34.8 shots allowed per game.
The Penguins also have the league’s best penalty kill with an 89.9% success rate, while the Flyers struggle on the power play. It’s going to be an uphill battle for Philadelphia Thursday.
Over/Under
You could toy with the Over if this number drops to 6, but seven goals is simply too steep. The Flyers may not pull their weight if Jarry is confirmed to be between the pipes, and while Hart has had struggles of late, he’s played the Penguins well over the course of his career. Banking on them to score upwards of 5 goals to push this Over is likely not a reasonable outcome.
PASS or take the UNDER 6.5 (-140) if you’re so inclined.
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