The NHL Playoffs are fast approaching as we enter the final week of the regular season. We only have one game on the slate tonight which isn’t a great matchup by any means. I’ll breakdown the lone matchup between the Flyers and Blackhawks and give out some picks.
Philadelphia Flyers @ Chicago Blackhawks
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Philadelphia Flyers: 25-43-11, 8th Metropolitan (11-23-5 Away)
- Chicago Blackhawks: 26-24-11, 7th Central (12-21-6 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +112 | +115 | +1.5 (-200) | o6.5 (-115) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | -135 | -135 | -1.5 (+170) | u6.5 (-105) |
Trends:
- Over is 3-0-1 in Flyers last 4 road games.
- Over is 4-0 in Blackhawks last 4 home games.
- Philadelphia are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games.
- Chicago are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games at home.
Previous Matchups:
- April 12, 2022
- CHI (3) @ PHI (4)
- CHI +105, PHI -125, O/U 6.5 (-115/-105)
- CHI xG: 2.55, PHI xG: 2.50
- (CHI) Kevin Lankinen -1.50 GSAx
- (PHI) Martin Jones -0.45 GSAx
- CHI (3) @ PHI (4)
Preview:
The Chicago Blackhawks have certainly not had the season they were hoping for after making some major additions in the offseason. They enter tonight’s game on a two-game losing streak, dropping games to Los Angeles and San Jose.
All season long Chicago has struggled offensively averaging just 2.59 Goals For per game ranking 28th. They’ve not only struggled with generating scoring chances but, capitalizing on them as well. The Blackhawks rank 31st in Shots on Goal For and 26th in Shooting %.
Just like their offense, Chicago has struggled defensively. They rank 26th in Goal Against per game averaging 3.57. This defense gives up a considerable number of Shots Against ranking 23rd.
The Philadelphia Flyers have also been awful this year. They’re coming off a matinee game yesterday against their rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shockingly, they upset the Penguins yesterday as +200 home dogs in that game. With that win, they’ll be looking for their third win in a row against the Blackhawks tonight.
On the year, the Flyers have struggled to take advantage of quality scoring opportunities. They rank 17th in Shots on Goal per game but 30th in the Shooting %. Their lackluster Shooting % has led to their poor Goals For per game average of 2.62.
Philadelphia’s defense hasn’t been great either this season ranking 27th in Goals Against per game averaging 3.58. They allow a ton of shots on goal ranking 29th which isn’t a great strategy given their sub-par goaltending.
Pick:
- 0.50u CHI BLACKHAWKS (-135) – Pointsbet
- 0.25u CHI BLACKHAWKS -1.5 (+175) – Pointsbet
During Philadelphia’s two game winning streak they’ve been great up front averaging 5 goals per game and 2 goals against per game. However, if you broaden that sample size to 10 games, they haven’t been great, averaging just 2.90 goals for per game and 4.90 goals against per game.
This is a tough team to read given how well they’ve played in those two games both offensively and defensively. On one hand you could argue that this team is turning a corner at the end of the year looking for something to build on. On the other hand, you could argue that they’re coming off a huge win vs an interstate rival and this is a prime let down spot.
Felix Sandstrom is expected to start for the Flyers tonight who has a 3.30 GAA and a .915 SV%. In his last three starts he has allowed three or more goals in each of them.
On no days rest this season Philadelphia is 3-8-4 but 2-3-1 after a win the night before. The total has gone over in 9 of those 15 games.
Chicago has been worse offensively and defensively in their last 10. They also have a better record on the road this year. The Blackhawks do average more goals at home while also giving up more goals against.
Kevin Lankinen is expected to start for the Blackhawks tonight who has a 3.62 GAA and a .887 SV%. In his last six starts he has allowed three or more goals in each of them.
If Kevin Lankinen wants to have a job next year he needs to turn his play around in these final games. He struggled in their previous matchup this year and given his recent play, there isn’t much hope of him turning it around.
When you look at this game, this line doesn’t make much sense. The public is going to be on the Flyers tonight given their recent play and the over. However, to me, Vegas is telling you that the Blackhawks are the play tonight. This is a game that I will bet because it’s the only NHL game happening tonight however, I don’t love it. I don’t want to put too much of our bankroll at risk given the slate tomorrow and playoffs coming up.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
