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Jeremy Perry
Penguins vs. Flyers: Game 3 Prediction, NHL Playoffs Odds
The Philadelphia Flyers had to be better after getting blown out 7-0 in Game 1 of their first round playoff series with the Pittsburgh Penguins. They delivered an appropriate response with a 5-1 win in Game 2. After looking completely overwhelmed in the series opener, the Flyers now head home with a chance to take control of the series that is now tied 1-1. Meanwhile, it will be Pittsburgh’s turn to respond after a disappointing performance on Friday night. The Penguins have won four of their five meetings with the Flyers dating back to the regular season, so they should feel confident about bouncing back in this NHL matchup.
Penguins vs. Flyers Betting Analysis
The winning team has scored five goals or more in every meeting between these teams this season, so that appears to be a key number. While the Penguins have dominated the head-to-head series, Pittsburgh has struggled on the road overall with a 17-20-4 record away from home. Meanwhile, Philadelphia was at its best on home ice with a 22-13-6 record at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Pens tend to be a decent rebound team. They haven’t lost two straight since the end of February. Also, they’ve won 11 straight times after losing their previous game by two goals or more.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins had plenty of opportunities to score in Game 2 but couldn’t find the back of the net. Pittsburgh fired 34 shots on goal but couldn’t solve Brian Elliott, who played much better. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby was left shaking his head after missing a wide open net early in the third period on an opportunity that could have changed the complexion of the game. Crosby had two shots on net while Patric Hornqvist had five shots and Evgeni Malkin had three. The Penguins know Elliott and the Flyers defense won’t perform at that level consistently, so they aren’t worried.
A key area for the Pens will be avoiding penalties. Pittsburgh was shorthanded just three times in Game 2 but Philadelphia converted on two of its three power play opportunities. If the Penguins can limit the damage done by the Flyers special teams, they should be in position to bounce back with a much more complete effort in Game 3.
Philadelphia Flyers
While Pittsburgh will want to limit the damage done by the Philadelphia power play, the Flyers are going to need to do a better job five-on-five. Philadelphia has a deep cast of talented forwards and if they can solve Matt Murray once again at five-on-five, they should have a shot at taking a series lead. Sean Couturier led the way with a goal and two assists in Game 2. Ivan Provorov chipped in with two assists on defense.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia will definitely need Brian Elliott to step up again. On the flip side, it should help that they’re at home in this spot. Pens goaltender Matt Murray was 17-5-2 at home this season with a .915 save percentage and 2.80 GAA. On the road, he’s just 10-11-1 with an .896 save percentage and a 3.05 GAA. As a team, the Pens scored 3.63 goals per game at home (second in the NHL) compared to 2.95 on the road (ninth). That’s a significant drop-off and the Flyers will hope it continues on Sunday.
