Flyers vs. Penguins predictions and odds roundup: Who wins the latest Battle of Pennsylvania?
Can the Flyers upset the Penguins in the first round of the playoffs? It depends who you ask. Here's a look at some predictions from around North America.
The Flyers will open the Stanley Cup playoffs Saturday night against their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team whose playoff history against Philly runs deep.
Each team is somewhat of a postseason surprise, but don’t expect them to just be happy to be here. This is a rivalry series, and neither team wants to go home in the first round.
Flyers vs. Penguins series odds
The Penguins are currently the favorites to win Game 1 and the series, according to most sportsbooks. Here’s a look at the series odds, which are pretty similar to the moneyline for Game 1:
Draftkings: Penguins (-170) | Flyers (+140)
FanDuel: Penguins (-140) | Flyers (+116)
BetMGM: Penguins (-160) | Flyers (+135)
But what do hockey writers, analysts, and former players think will happen in the Battle of Pennsylvania? Let’s take a look at some predictions, starting with our own Flyers writers …
» READ MORE: Flyers vs. Penguins: Key matchups, X-factors, and predictions for the first-round playoff series
Inquirer predictions
Despite what the odds say, both Jackie Spiegel and Gabriela Carroll see the Flyers advancing past the Penguins following an in-depth breakdown of both sides. Here’s what Jackie thinks, as she has the Flyers winning in six games …
National predictions
Most outlets are backing the Penguins in this Eastern Conference first-round series, but there’s still some love for the Flyers …
NHL.com: Nine of their 15 writers and editors are taking the Penguins.
ESPN: Flyers fans might want to turn away, as their “bold predictions” include Philly getting swept out in the first round and the Penguins making the conference finals.
USA Today: Kevin Skiver has the Flyers falling in six games.
The Athletic: Their trio of writers give the Flyers just a 41% chance of advancing to the second round.
The Hockey News: Adam Proteau has the Flyers beating the Penguins in six games.
SportsNet: We’ll even go international here, as Canada’s SportsNet has the Flyers falling to Pittsburgh in six games.
Moneypuck: The analytics site has it pretty tight, giving a slight 53.2% edge to the Penguins.
PlayoffStatus: Another numbers-based site, this one thinks the Flyers move on, favoring them 54% of the time.
Local media predictions
Here at The Inquirer, both our writers are picking the home team. But what about across the state in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: All five of their writers and editors are picking the Penguins to advance past the Flyers.
Pensburgh: At the Penguins SB Nation site, they’re taking Pittsburgh in six.
Stanley Cup Final odds
Here’s a look at where the Flyers stand among the other playoff teams when it comes to their chances of winning it all …
» READ MORE: 10 highlights from the Flyers-Penguins rivalry, from Keith Primeau’s OT heroics to hatred for Sidney Crosby
Full schedule and TV info
And finally, here’s a look at how the series will play out and where you can watch the games, with more details expected to be released as the series progresses.
Game 1: Flyers at Penguins, 8 p.m. Saturday, NBCSP/ESPN
Game 2: Flyers at Penguins, 7 p.m. Monday, NBCSP/ESPN
Game 3: Penguins at Flyers, 7 p.m. Wednesday, NBCSP/TNT/truTV/HBO MAX
Game 4: Penguins at Flyers, 8 p.m. April 25, NBCSP/TBS/truTV/HBO MAX
*Game 5: Flyers at Penguins, April 27 (Time TBD)
*Game 6: Penguins at Flyers, April 29 (Time TBD)
*Game 7: Flyers at Penguins, May 2 (Time TBD)
*if necessary