Philadelphia Flyers vs
Montreal CanadiensPredictions & Preview

Philadelphia Flyers Look to Secure Victory Against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre

The Philadelphia Flyers are set to take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in a matchup between the seventh-placed Flyers and the fourteenth-placed Canadiens in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia, with a record of 36-27-10, previously defeated Montreal with a score of 3-2 earlier this season. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. EST, with Philadelphia opening as the betting favorite at -158 with no line movement.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Flyers -158 | Canadiens +135
• Spread: Flyers -1.5 (+160) | Canadiens +1.5 (-190)
• Total: Over/Under 6 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Philadelphia will win straight-up is 61%.

Philadelphia vs Montreal Stats

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers recently suffered a 5-6 loss to the New York Rangers, marking their third loss in five games. As they face the Montreal Canadiens in pursuit of a wild card spot, Philadelphia is playing below average this season. They rank 22nd in scoring with an average of 2.92 goals per game and 17th in points allowed, giving up an average of 3.05 goals against per game. Their penalty kill is strong, ranking third in the NHL with an 84.1% success rate, but their powerplay offense is lacking, sitting at last in the league with a 13.4% success rate. Goalie Samuel Ersson, with a record of 21-14-7 this season, is expected to start in net on Thursday. While his season stats show a goals against average of 2.75 and a save percentage of .895, his performance in his last five starts has been less impressive with a save percentage of .861 and a goals against average of 3.89. With an overall power ranking of 22, the Flyers are ranked 22nd in offense, scoring an average of 2.97 goals per game, and 17th in defense, allowing an average of 3.10 goals against per game, with a season record of 36-27-10.

Montreal Canadiens Analysis

The Montreal Canadiens recently concluded a five-game road trip with a 2-2-1 record, culminating in a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Despite their offensive struggles this season, with an average of 2.70 goals per game, they managed to secure wins in their last two games. However, their defense has been lacking, allowing an average of 3.37 goals against per game. Goaltender Sam Montembeault performed well in the recent game against Colorado and may start again in the upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Canadiens currently have a power ranking of 29 and rank 28th in offense and 27th in defense. Their record stands at 27-32-12, while Philadelphia has gone 1-1-1 in their last three games against Montreal.

Philadelphia Flyers Favored Over Montreal Canadiens In Homecoming Matchup

The Montreal Canadiens will soon be returning home from an extended road trip where they managed to secure victory in their last two games. Due to several factors, I am inclined to favor the Philadelphia Flyers as the likely victor in this upcoming matchup. Montreal may experience a decline in performance as they readjust to their home ice after an extended period away, potentially dampening their competitive drive. Furthermore, as a team currently situated below playoff contention, the Canadiens may lack the motivation and focus that the Flyers, a team actively pursuing a postseason berth, possess. Notably, Montreal holds a record of 1-3-1 as underdogs in their last five home games against the Flyers dating back to 2018. With these points in mind, I recommend taking the Philadelphia Flyers at -142 for this game.

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