Flyers vs. Canucks Odds
| Flyers Odds | +130 |
| Canucks Odds | -156 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -102/ -120 |
Here's everything you need to know about Flyers vs. Canucks on Thursday, Dec. 28 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
These two teams squared off earlier this season when the Flyers claimed a narrow 2-0 victory on home ice over the Canucks. Will we see another low-scoring affair, or will there be more goals this time around between the Flyers and Canucks?
Let's dig into the NHL odds and make a Flyers vs Canucks prediction and pick.
Philadelphia Flyers
Under coach John Tortorella, Philadelphia's identity has unsurprisingly become that of a hard-nosed, defensively sound team. There are pros and cons to this style of play, which is why there have been six or fewer total goals scored in 10 of its past 15 games.
Offensively, the Flyers have struggled as they rank 24th in the league in goals scored per game and last in Power Play Percentage. However, they continue to win games because of strong defensive play and solid goaltending.
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This year, Philadelphia ranks ninth in goals allowed per game, fifth in Shots on Goal Allowed per game and fourth in Penalty Kill Rate. Analytically, regression is unlikely in the defensive zone.
At 5-on-5, the Flyers rank seventh in Expected Goals Against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5. Goaltender Carter Hart backs up this defensively-sound lineup, and he is expected to guard the cage on Thursday.
Through 18 starts in the crease, Hart is 9-6-2 with a .913 save percentage (SV%) and 2.62 Goals Against Average (GAA). He was in net for that first game against Vancouver when he pitched a shutout en route to Philadelphia's 2-0 win.
Vancouver Canucks
Expect another low-scoring affair because Thatcher Demko is slated to get the nod between the pipes for the Canucks. He's put together an even better season than Hart as Demko sports a 17-7-1 record with a .917 SV% and 2.46 GAA through 25 starts.
Demko was in net against Hart in that aforementioned matchup, and he certainly kept pace as he stopped 40 of 42 shots for a .952 SV%. In fact, he typically plays well against the Flyers, posting a .923 SV% in four career starts against them.
There were five or fewer total goals scored in three of those four outings.
Vancouver's blue line also deserves some credit because it ranks in the top half of the league in xGA/60 at 5-on-5. With this combination of strong two-way play and excellent goaltending, the Canucks rank second in the league in goals allowed per game.
Yes, the Canucks offense is just as good, but it will once again be in for a tough night against Philadelphia's defensively-minded team and strong goaltender in Hart.
Flyers vs. Canucks
Betting Pick & Prediction
Not only did these teams combine for just two goals in their first matchup this season, but the under has been historically profitable in this matchup.
There have now been six or fewer total goals scored in 13 of the previous 17 meetings between Vancouver and Philadelphia.
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Given the variables outlined above, I believe another low-scoring outing is in store on Thursday evening. I like the Under 6 under the "Total Goals (Flat Line)" tab at FanDuel, which is available at +106 odds.
That number is the longest in the market at the time of writing. For our more risk-averse bettors, I believe there is also value in Under 6.5 at -120 odds if you wish to go that route.
Pick: Under 6 (+106 at FanDuel | Play to +100)
