In today’s edition of NHL Predictions, the Ottawa Senators look to find a W against the Philadelphia Flyers before the Oylmpic break. Before the loss to Carolina last time out Ottawa did have points in nine of 11. Meanwhile, Philly limps into this one battling through a tough 3-8-3 stretch. Ottawa will look to not be complacent, given the Flyers recent struggles. Welcome to today’s predictions, as each day we break down stats and storylines, and discuss how we think the games will play out.
NHL Predictions Flyers and Senators
Season Series: Ottawa won two times earlier in the season, the second being in overtime.
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: TSN5, RDS, NBCSP
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Flyers and the Senators look to build some momentum ahead of the Olympic break. Today is the last day of games before the league stops for a little over two weeks.
The Senators Story
Ottawa is finishing up a gauntlet of NHL elitist over the past stretch, that included playing division leaders four times in six games. They will look forward to a game against Philly, a team that is currently sixth in the Metropolitan Division standings. However, even though the Sens currently sit eighth in the NHL’s Atlantic Division standings, there do have one point more than the Flyers.
Being in Philadelphia, we can’t help but mention Claude Giroux. Although it was four seasons ago that he last laced them up for the Flyers, he is a player that will never be forgotten. He was the offensive leader of the franchise for most of his time there through the 2010s. That included 15 seasons, 1000 games and 900 points exactly. He has shown to still have lots in the tank. In his first year with Ottawa, 2022-23, he had 79 points that included a career-high 35 goals.
Even this year he has continued to produce. He has been used in more of a support role. In contrast, any of the linemates that has been fortunate enough to play on his line have benefited tremendously. Through 56 games played this campaign, he has 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points. He would love a win in Philly tonight.
Some Thoughts from Philadelphia
One of the big stories in Philly, besides the teams overall lack of results, has been the play of Matvei Michkov. He still only gets 14:34 of average ice time, and has been noted as needing some work on the off-ice side of things. Basically, just being a professional. Despite the low ice time, he is still fifth on the team in points (29). There had been some rumbling the Flyers would try to go after Artemi Panarin as a way of supporting Michkov, and helping him feel comfortable. However, that is now out the window. Michkov and the Flyers need a reset, and see if they can get him back on focusing on what he does best, help fill opposing teams’ baskets with little black rubber biscuits.
Offensively, the Flyers are led by Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras. The move to Philly has sparked Zegras, in particular. He plays a lot with Konecny or Owen Tippett, and Christian Dvorak as a centre. Zegras could likely pass his career high in points this year, as a result. He has 48 points through 55 games. His career high is 65 points, back in 2022-23 as a member of the Anaheim Ducks.
The Matchup
Statistically, this matchup seems to favour the Sens. In goals for, the Sens are 3.32 versus Philly’s 2.93. The power play also favours the Sens, 23.2% to 16.3%. However, as we mentioned the two teams are very even in points in the standings. Ottawa has been prone to costly mistakes, like a late, bad line change costing them last time out versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Moreover, Philly has a slight advantage defensively, at 3.18 goals-allowed per game, compared to Ottawa’s 3.27.
The Starters
Today’s goaltending matchup is ecpeted to be Linus Ullmark and Dan Vladar. Ullmark has a 16-8-5 record with a 2.86 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage. Vladar has a similar record, at 17-8-5, but slightly better numbers. His GAA is 2.49 and he has a .904 SV%.
However, it is a great time for our disclaimer. Please check social media prior to puck drop, to see definitely who gets the nod, before setting your fantasy roster for the day.
NHL Predictions
We think the Sens have been playing well lately, while the Flyers have not. Give Ottawa the nod, but the skill on the Flyers will no doubt, keep it close.
Prediction: Flyers 2 – Senators 3
Prop Bets
For a couple of anytime goal scorers, check these guys out. Stutzle has been going for Ottawa. For Philly, take Konecny, he is also a sniper, pure and simple.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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