Philadelphia Flyers vs St. Louis Blues Prediction: Look for the Blues to Exploit Philly's Defense
Philadelphia Flyers vs St. Louis Blues Prediction: Look for the Blues to Exploit Philly's Defense
The Flyers disappointing and tumultuous season is nearing its end. Philly recently traded Captain Claude Giroux along with Derrick Brassard and Justin Braun at the deadline. Philadelphia is turning to its young players now as Joel Farabee, Owen Tippett (who was acquired in the Giroux trade) and Cam York are getting more ice time down the stretch.
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Philadelphia Flyers vs St. Louis Blues Prediction
The Flyers are coming off a 6-3 loss to the Red Wings in Detroit on Tuesday night, marking the third time they have been handled easily by the Red Wings. The St. Louis Blues return home after a very impressive 5-2 at Washington on Tuesday night, in a game that saw Vladimir Tarasenki and Robert Thomas sit out. St. Louis is in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race as they are second in the Central, one point up on the Wild.
The Blues can just as easily slip into a Wild Card spot (which they would like to avoid) should they see another losing streak, which is why they want to handle business against these non-playoff teams like the Flyers.
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On the road this season, the Flyers are allowing 3.55 goals per game and their penalty kill is a fourth worst 72.2%. The Flyers are also giving up 34.3 shots per game on the road, seventh most. Philly, surprisingly, is in the top 10 in five on five goals allowed on the road, but they have given up the seventh most high danger scoring chances. Their goaltending has been the brightest spot for them this season. Carter Hart is having a bounceback year but nobody can survive with this defensive structure, or lack thereof, in front of them. At home this season, the Blues are averaging a fourth most 3.74 goals per game on a power play, that is 9th best at 24.7%. The Blues are firing 31.1 shots on net per game on home as well. St. Louis has the second most five on five home goals in the league, but the fourth least high danger scoring chances, so they are burying their opportunities when they get them. St. Louis has scored at least four goals in 19 of their 31 home games this season. Â
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These teams met earlier this season in Philadelphia, which resulted in a 4-1 Blues win. Even if Tarasenko remains out of the lineup, I like this matchup for the Blues' offense to take it to this lackluster Philly defense.
Philadelphia Flyers vs St. Louis Blues Line Movement
Philadelphia Flyers vs St. Louis Blues Pick
- St Louis Blues Team Total Over 3.5 -125 (Bet $125 to win $100)
Article Author
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tone has been handicapping the four major sports for over twenty years. An NHL enthusiast, Tone’s expertise lies on the ice. He’s excelled and profited finding the right angles on NHL games, particularly with player props, game props, and game totals. A contributor to several gaming sites, you can follow him on Twitter @TonesTakes.