The New York Rangers are winners of five straight games and are looking to extend that streak tonight in Philadelphia.
Everyone expected the Flyers to have a rocky season, and even though they are coming off a big win against the Devils, this season has definitely been a struggle for them.
Carter Hart will be in goal for the Flyers, and he will attempt to give them a chance to win this game as he has been arguably their only positive this season.
The Rangers haven’t officially announced who will tend the goal, but they are entering this game with a ton of momentum.
Find out where the betting edge lies tonight in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Rangers vs. Flyers on December 17.
Rangers vs Flyers best odds
Rangers vs Flyers picks and predictions
The Flyers have a ton of holes in their game right now, but I think the biggest concern centers around their lack of offensive production.
Philly comes into this game with the third-worst offensive numbers in the league, only scoring 2.39 goals per game. The Flyers have also only converted once on the man advantage in their last four games.
There is no denying the fact that the Rangers are the much better team in nearly every category, but if the last meeting between these two teams told us anything, it’s that it won’t be as easy as it should be for New York.
It is more than likely that Jaroslav Halak will be in goal for the Rangers, and he hasn’t gotten a start since they lost to the Blackhawks on December 3. Halak hasn’t had the best of luck this season, but something tells me that this game will be different with the Rangers' new-found confidence.
The Rangers have been much better defensively during this win streak, only allowing 10 goals in the five-game span.
The last time these two teams met, the game went to overtime, but the Rangers absolutely dominated the Flyers throughout. I see the Rangers winning this one in regulation and extending the win streak.
My best bet: Rangers three-way moneyline (+100 at bet365)
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Rangers vs Flyers moneyline analysis
In the last meeting between these two teams, both goalies completely stood on their heads. This was especially the case with Carter Hart, as the Rangers peppered the goalie with 36 shots and were only able to beat him once.
Even though Carter Hart can steal a game like this, the Flyers' lack of scoring is really the story here. It's gotten so bad that it appears that John Tortorella has decided to healthy scratch leading scorer Kevin Hayes.
The Rangers' group of forwards have looked good during the win streak and what’s been so encouraging for them is that they are getting contributions all throughout the lineup. It was nice to see their second power play unit get on the scoresheet in their most recent game.
They were missing some spark earlier in the season when these teams last met, but their current win streak has shown a massive resemblance to the New York team from last year.
The Rangers have had a ton of success against the Flyers in recent history, going 5-1 in the last six meetings between them. They are also fully healthy right now, and the group has seemed to have found their game.
Even with Halak in goal, I am not worried due to the Flyers' offensive struggles. I like this spot for the Rangers.
Rangers vs Flyers Over/Under analysis
Scoring goals has not been a specialty for the Flyers this season, and it is going to be even harder for them in this game if Hayes isn’t playing.
They weren’t able to get much going the last time they played the Rangers, generating just 19 shots on goal. That seems to be a trend in general for Philly this season.
The Flyers currently have the second least amount of scoring chances per game, averaging 8.26 scoring chances. That being said, the Rangers' offense can absolutely buzz. As a matter of fact, they generate the second most scoring chances, averaging 12.94.
With the Flyers' lack of scoring and the Rangers' strong defensive play of late, I think the scoring in this game should be very one-sided. The Flyers' vibes are completely off right now, and I think their struggles are going to continue here.
The Rangers should be able to put some goals up on Carter Hart, but I'm not sure if the Flyers can hold up their end of the bargain.
Rangers vs Flyers betting trend to know
The Rangers have won five out of the last six games against the Flyers. Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs Flyers.
Rangers vs Flyers game info
| Location: | Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA |
| Date: | Saturday, December 17, 2022 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCSP, MSG |
