There are just two games on the NHL schedule Wednesday, the latter of which is an excellent matchup between two of the East Division’s top three teams. The Bruins (6-1-2) have overcome a shaky start in win four of their last five games, scoring four goals or more in three of those wins. They’ll face the Flyers (7-2-1), the current division leaders who have ripped off four straight victories heading into this game.
This will be the third time these teams play this year. The first two came in Boston, where the home team pulled off back-to-back victories. The first was a 5-4 win in which the Bruins overcame a 2-0 deficit and scored four goals in the third period before winning in a shootout. Two nights later was a lot more lopsided, as Boston used five unanswered goals and three power play goals to crush the Flyers 6-1.
Here is a closer look at Wednesday’s matchup, with some stats and names to keep an eye on. After winning the first two games in this rivalry, Boston heads in as (-135) favorites on the road.
By the Numbers
Even after registering 11 goals in two games against Philly, the Bruins still sit just 14th in the NHL with 3.11 goals per game. However, they do average more than 32 shots, ranking fourth, and carry the seventh-best power play. The Flyers offense, meanwhile, is either very efficient or very lucky. Philadelphia is fourth in the league with 3.5 goals per game but is doing so with a league-low 23.6 shots per game. Their power play is also outside the Top 10, although just barely.
Defensively, the Bruins own the advantage pretty handily. Boston is allowing a league-low 23 shots per game and the third-fewest goals at 2.22. They also boast the second-best penalty kill unit in hockey. As for the Flyers, they’re giving up a ton of shots with close to 34 against per game while also allowing three goals per game. Their penalty kill also hasn’t been great, ranking just 24th in the NHL.
Something’s Bruin’
Boston has really turned a corner since its poor start to the season and now has the look of a contender yet again. They’ve got a huge boost from their franchise stars like Brad Marchand, who has a team-high six goals and seven assists, and Patrice Bergeron, who isn’t far behind with five goals and six assists. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy has stepped up as the number one blue-liner in the wake of Torey Krug’s free agent departure, while Nick Ritchie has been a strong finisher around the net with four goals.
Additionally, Boston has their best goal-scorer back in David Pastrnak. The 24-year-old missed the beginning of the season but returned last Saturday against the Capitals, registering an assist in the overtime loss. Pastrnak, who netted 48 goals last season, put the puck in the net twice in a win over Washington Monday.
Flyin’ High
Although the stats may not be as great as their record, the Flyers are still finding a way to win games. A big part of that is that a whopping four players have 10 or more points already, the leader of which is James van Riemsdyk with 12. Van Riemsdyk is coming off of a four-assist game against the Islanders on Sunday, giving him six total helpers in his last three games. The veteran also had two goals last week against New Jersey.
Joining van Riemsdyk in the play-making department are longtime Flyers Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The captain Giroux has a lone goal but nine assists, whereas Voracek has two goals and eight assists. Philly’s other 10-point player is Kevin Hayes, who, at five goals, is tied for the team lead with van Riemsdyk, Travis Konecny, and Joel Farabee. Farabee is the latest to join that group after the 20-year-old netted his first career hat trick in Sunday’s game.
Final Thoughts and Pick
As two of the top teams in the East, this shapes up to be one of the better matchups in the early stages of the NHL season. What makes this game even more intriguing is the fact that both teams don’t have a bad option to go to in net either. Jaroslav Halak and Tuukka Rask have formed a great tandem in net, nearly splitting duties for Boston, while Brian Elliott has done a wonderful job in more of a traditional backup role to Carter Hart in Philly.
However, to me, this comes down to strengths and weaknesses. Boston’s strengths are on defense, particularly when it comes to shot-suppression, while Philadelphia’s biggest weakness is shot-generation on offense. Look for the Bruins to get more chances throughout the game and, with Pastrnak back in the fold, find a way to win this game on the road.
Betting Pick: Boston Bruins (-135).
