The surprisingly hot Philadelphia Flyers (3-0-0) look to stay undefeated tonight in Florida as they take on the Panthers (2-1-0) in one of three NHL games tonight. Florida is expected to be one of the best NHL teams in the Eastern Conference this season.
Few people, even new head coach John Tortorella, expected the Flyers to be one of just five NHL picks for unbeaten teams in the league right now.
The Flyers vs. Panthers betting analysis game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. EST at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
Flyers backup Felix Sandstrom is expected to get the start in the second half of a back-to-back, while veteran Sergei Bobrovsky will likely be between the pipes for the Panthers.
Panthers and Flyers’ Last Records
Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are coming off of a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in what was probably the team’s most impressive win in the past year.
Philadelphia trailed 2-0 midway through the game until Scott Laughton got the team on the board in the second period.
James van Riemsdyk and Noah Cates scored in the third period, while Carter Hart made 36 saves to earn his third victory of the season.
Panthers
The Panthers come into today’s game with a 2-1 record. Their first two contests both resulted in Wins against the Islanders (3-1) and the Sabres (4-1). Their most recent game was a loss to the Bruins (3-5).
Keep this in mind when making Flyers vs. Panthers Betting Analysis picks.
Matchup Information
- Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: FLA Live Arena
- How to Watch: TNT, TVAS
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Florida Panthers Betting Analysis
Philadelphia Flyers
While Philadelphia’s total team play has been impressive, the play of Hart has been the real story. Once considered a can’t-miss goalie prospect, Hart was one of the worst goalies in the league in 2020-21 for NHL stats and was only slightly better last season, posting a 3.16 goals-against average (GAA) to go along with a .905 save percentage. He has allowed only six goals this season and has a .943 save percentage.
Flyers’ Coach
Tortorella, an easily agitated coach, responded with a simple “No” in preseason when asked if there was something on this team he could build an identity around.
That didn’t exactly inspire confidence, but the team’s play through three games is far more inspiring than whatever it was the Flyers did last season.
“We have zero respect in this league. I’m willing to admit that,” Tortorella said. “But that’s what gets me going. I love this opportunity.”
Florida Panthers
Florida, meanwhile, is coming off a 5-3 loss to Atlantic Division rival Boston Bruins in one of the most physical NHL matchups of the season thus far.
The Atlantic was the toughest division in the league last season and will be again this year, so points will be at a premium for the Panthers, who want to experience more than just regular-season success.
That’s part of the reason why the team dealt Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames for Matthew Tkachuk.
Panthers’ Identity
The dynamic and feisty American winger has already made a difference in the Panthers’ identity and has been making an impression on and off the scoresheet.
Tkachuk leads the team with four points and has been busy agitating the opposition on a nightly basis.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Florida Panthers Betting Preview
Florida Panthers won each of its two games against the Flyers last season, outscoring them 6-3. One of those games was in overtime, however. Florida has yet to play at home this season and is the heavy favorite, as teams in the home opener have a historically high winning percentage.
Moneyline
In fact, Florida is a -325 favorite on the moneyline, which is incredible considering the Flyers are 3-0 this season.
However, Philadelphia is playing the second half of a back-to-back with an inexperienced goaltender between the pipes. Philadelphia is paying out +284 on the moneyline.
Puck line
The Flyers are +113 on the +1.5 puck line, while the Panthers are -133 at -1.5. The over/under is set at 6.5, with the over and under paying out -123 and +112, respectively.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Florida Panthers Betting Prediction
Flyers vs. Panthers betting analysis suggests the Panthers should win, and while that’s a likely outcome, there’s not really much value there.
Philadelphia might be tied for first in the NHL standings, at least based on win percentage, but their underlying numbers suggest they haven’t quite been as good as their record indicates.
For more value with NHL picks, consider taking the Panthers on the -1.5 puck line. Philadelphia’s expected goals rate is just 39.73 xGF%, or 27th in the league, meaning a regression might be likely.
NHL Pick: Panthers -1.5 (-140)
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