The Edmonton Oilers are looking at tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers as a must-win.
The Oilers are on a four-game losing streak and to make matters worse, they have seen 3-0 leads disappear in back-to-back games.
The Flyers are playing the second half of a back-to-back after getting a big win in Calgary last night, and they won the first meeting between these two teams earlier this month
Find out my best bet in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Oilers vs. Flyers on February 21.
Flyers vs Oilers best odds
Flyers vs Oilers picks and predictions
The Edmonton Oilers haven’t had any issues starting games lately but haven’t been able to hold onto leads. So, I have my eyes set on the first period for tonight’s game.
The Oilers have been a very strong first-period team, averaging 1.02 goals in the opening frame and 0.79 goals against. The Philadelphia Flyers don’t typically have strong starts to their contests. They are allowing an average of 0.98 goals against in the first 20 minutes and just 0.79 goals for.
In their last two games, the Oilers have outscored their opponents by a combined 5-1 in the opening frame and tonight needs to be a statement win against a much weaker Flyers team.
Considering that the Oilers are heavily favored, the first-period spread is the best value in this game.
I like Edmonton’s chances in the first period.
My best bet: Oilers first period -0.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
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Flyers vs Oilers moneyline analysis
The Flyers may have won the first meeting between these two teams, but they have not had a ton of success on the road in Edmonton, going 3-8 in the last 11 meetings in Alberta.
The Oilers have the highest-flying offense in the NHL thanks to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but they have also gotten some key contributions from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, especially in the team’s last five games.
Scoring goals has never been an issue for this Oilers team, as they are the number one offense in the league, averaging 3.75 goals per game. They also have the best man-advantage unit, converting at a 31.3% rate.
The Oilers should play with a ton of urgency and desperation, and the Flyers won’t be able to keep up.
Flyers vs Oilers Over/Under analysis
I think by this point it is certainly obvious that when you think of the Oilers, the first thing that comes to mind is offense. Their last five games in a row have all gone Over because of their ability to score goals, but they have also gotten some very below-average goaltending as of late.
The Flyers certainly aren’t as strong as the Oilers are offensively, but they were able to put up four goals against the Flames yesterday, so maybe they can build off of that.
Either way, I’m not relying on Philadelphia to score a ton tonight, but I can certainly count on the Oilers to put some pucks in the net.
I don’t love the total on this game, but I’d definitely ride the Over if I had to pick a side.
Flyers vs Oilers betting trend to know
The Oilers have won the first period in three of their last five games. Find more NHL betting trends for Flyers vs Oilers.
Flyers vs Oilers game info
Location: | Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB |
Date: | Tuesday, February 21, 2023 |
Puck drop: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | Sportsnet West, TVAS |