Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Picks

The last time these two met, Cam York scored in overtime for a 1-0 win that finished off Philadelphia's first-round series against Pittsburgh in six games. That was April. Both teams open their season in Philadelphia tonight. The Penguins scored 3.54 goals a game last season, third-most in the league, and that offense is why they aren't a bigger underdog. They start this season without Bryan Rust, one of several Penguins on injured reserve, and without a named starter in goal. Dan Muse has yet to choose between Arturs Silovs and Russian rookie Sergei Murashov. Silovs finished last season with an .888 save percentage. Murashov has only played in five NHL games, posting a .897 save percentage. Philadelphia has no such question in its crease. Dan Vladar went 29-14-7 with a .906 last season, and the Flyers added Joseph Woll behind him. Philadelphia's power play ranked last in the league, so special teams won't carry this one. Even strength will, and that's where a Pittsburgh lineup with holes in it meets the team that beat it four times in six tries last spring. I'm on Philadelphia in the opener.

The Penguins stayed alive in their first-round playoff series against the Flyers, winning 4-2 at Philadelphia this past Saturday night. The Flyers are still up 3-1 in the series and can close out Pittsburgh today with a road victory. Philadelphia had won six in a row until Saturday's loss. The Flyers are 15-5 in their last 20 games, including 5-1 during their past six road games. They are 15-2 in their past 17 games as underdogs, which they are for Game Five. The Flyers were underdogs in the first two games of this series - and won both games. Pittsburgh is bucking history, as only four NHL teams have come back from 3-0 playoff deficits. Future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby has been held to only one goal in the series. Philadelphia has held Pittsburgh to just seven goals in regulation during the first four games. Take the Flyers.

If ever there were a buy-low spot on the Penguins, this is it. Pittsburgh heads to Philadelphia down 2-0 in its playoff series, having lost 3-2 and 3-0 at home. The Flyers' defense and goalie Dan Vladar have stymied the Penguins, who were the NHL's third-highest-scoring team during the regular season. Pittsburgh has the experience, talent, and great veterans with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson to win this crucial Game 3. The Penguins are 21-12-8 on the road. Pittsburgh is 0-for-7 on the power play during the series. The Penguins ranked seventh on the power play during the regular season. One plus for Pittsburgh has been the solid goaltending of Stuart Skinner. The last time the Flyers hosted the Penguins, on Dec. 1, they lost 5-1. Take the Penguins.