Hate and parity are part of the glory of the NHL Playoffs. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh began as expansion teams for the famed class of 1967. Since that “Great Expansion” that doubled the NHL’s size they have been bitter rivals. Nastiness prevailed with the Stanley Cup Playoff odds when they met in 2012. Now once again Pennsylvania bragging rights are on the line. Pittsburgh’s blowout win in game one had many writing off the Flyers. Their resurgence with a game two win demonstrated character. But game three put them back in their place. Game Four is Wednesday night.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers Game 4
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penguins | -1½ (+195) | 6 (-120) |  |
| Flyers | +1½ (-235) | 6 (EV) | |
| |||
Penguins vs. Flyers TV Coverage: NBCSN
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh got back on track with a 5-1 win in game three. They now lead the series 2-1. Game five of this series will head back to Pittsburgh for Friday night. A loss in game four means the Flyers would face extinction in that matchup. Sunday’s Penguin performance demonstrated why they are Stanley Cup Playoff odds chalks. Sidney Crosby is dominating. Secondary scoring is plentiful. And goaltender Matt Murray is resurgent after an inconsistent regular season. Philadelphia’s defense and goaltending have been atrocious. Offensively key Flyers have gone into hiding.
Big Names on Court
Left wing Claude Giroux led the Flyers with 34 regular season goals. So far, he is shutout in the playoffs. Right wing Wayne Simmonds has long been a Philadelphia sniper. He also is missing in action with zero goals. Goaltender Brian Elliott has a humiliating save percentage of .863. Elliott is allowing 4.43 goals per game. Backup Petr Mrazek proved worthless in relief. An .857 save percentage showed he was not playoff ready.
Philadelphia
Captain Crosby has 4 goals with three assists and a plus six. Penguin playoff prospects are again high. Fading at the regular season has proven to be a false alarm. Murray is in Stanley Cup form with a .929 save percentage. Averaging 1.71 goals against per game he also has a shutout. Defenseman Kris Letang has three assists with a plus four. Center Evgeni Malkin has been relatively “quiet.” Two goals and one assist is still not bad. Head coach Mike Sullivan has proven to have the Midas touch.
Team vs Team
Pittsburgh has had the sportsbook series edge on the Flyers. Penguin backers have been paid in five of their last seven matchups with Philadelphia. Eight of the last ten between these teams went over the total. At Wells Fargo Center the Pens have four payouts in their last six visits. Just two of the last six at Philly in this rivalry went under the total.
Matchup to Watch
Game two did demonstrate the Flyers are capable. But games one and three are illustrative of Pittsburgh’s dominance. Philly’s manhood was taken from them and their fans in game three. Defensive breakdowns and inept goaltending have exposed Philadelphia. They are pretenders with the Stanley Cup Playoff odds. Pittsburgh on the other hand is a proven champion. Peaking at the perfect time they have superior depth in this matchup. Sullivan can roll multiple lines with similar effectiveness. Murray’s regular season woes have ended.
Penguins vs. Flyers NHL Playoff Lines Picks
Pittsburgh is simply too much for the Flyers.
NHL Betting Online Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL Betting Online Score Prediction: Penguins 4, Flyers 1
Check out highlights of the Penguins game three win at Philadelphia!