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 tonight’s matchup, the Penguins look to snap a four-game losing skid. Meanwhile, the Flyers have won three straight and have been gaining momentum while developing their young stars.
NHL Predictions
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Flyers 2-1 Penguins
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; ESPN+
This is the fourth and final meeting between these Pennsylvania rivals this season. The Flyers currently lead the series 2-1, with their most recent encounter on Saturday resulting in a dominant 6-1 victory over the Penguins. Philadelphia’s offence overwhelmed Pittsburgh in their last game, highlighting a massive urgency for the Penguins to tighten their paper-thin defence.
The Penguins’ Story
The rebuild is in full swing in Pittsburgh. With a 23-28-9 record, the Penguins sit sixth-last in the NHL. It would seem the Penguins are preparing for a second straight season selling off pieces as we’re just a week away from the trade deadline. Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson, Anthony Beauvillier and Matt Nieto have all been named as potential trade pieces.
Pittsburgh is led in points by captain Sidney Crosby. The captain has 60 points in 58 games in lieu to attempting a 20th straight point per game season. Rickard Rakell will look to continue pumping up his trade value. With 25 goals and 49 points in 59 games, Rakell has bounced back from his tough season last year, and would make an excellent trade acquisition for a contending team.
The Flyers’ Story
The Philadelphia Flyers have been on the upswing recently. The team sits 26-26-7, moving up to ninth-last in the league. Head Coach John Tortorella has received a lot of credit in improving the Flyers and their systems. With a three-game win streak, Philadelphia is giving their fans a lot to be excited for in the future.
Travis Konecny leads Philadelphia in scoring with 62 points in 59 games. The star forward has blossomed into a top-line winger capable of pitching in significant offence. Rookie sensation Matvei Michkov is second on the team in scoring. The Russian star has scored 41 points in 57 games during his inaugural season. While Philadelphia is in search of star centres to support their wing depth, the future is bright on offence for the Flyers.
NHL Prediction
Although it seems the Penguins are due for a win, Philadelphia is in the middle of a surge in play. With Pittsburgh coming in off a four-game losing streak, and the Flyers having three straight wins, Philadelphia has all the momentum.
NHL Prediction: Flyers win 5-2.
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over 6 (-102) – With the Flyers offence soaring, expect another high-scoring affair against one of the worst defensive teams in the league this season.
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Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: February 27 Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.