Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins Hockey Betting Odds, Predictions and Analysis | August 2, 2020

At the beginning, it was announced that there would be 12 teams per conference making the NHL restart.  Of great concern was potential idle time for the top four teams in each conference.  Thus, the round-robin format.  This makes for meaningful hockey betting action during the preliminary round.  Further, it takes away any advantage that could have developed.  Had the top four seeds remained idle rust could have been a factor.  On the flip side, those four clubs would be well rested for the next round.  Boston and Philadelphia meet in a key round-robin game Sunday.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, we get two of the top online sportsbook brands on the NHL board.  Veteran fans and historians recall the connection of the 1974 Stanley Cup Final.  Philadelphia stunned the world with a six-game upset of Boston.  Since that time the Bruins and Flyers have been marquee franchises.  Concurrently Boston and Philly stood apart in the 2019-20 season.  First place overall belongs to the Bruins.  Boston is the defending Eastern Conference champion.  Philadelphia has returned to prominence under new coach Alain Vigneault.  Public betting will still favor a Bruins team that has generational popularity.

Flyers Soar with Vigneault’s Complete Game

Fourth in the East Philadelphia has a record of 41-21-7.  NHL metrics have the Flyers ranked seventh for goals and 14^th for power play.  However, the Flyers real betting on hockey improvement came on the back end.  Philly ranks seventh for goals against and 11^th for penalty killing.  Previously such defensive improvement would have been unfathomable.  Carter Hart gives the Flyers long-sought legitimacy in goal.  Not since Ron Hextall has Philadelphia had such a credible netminder.

Alain Vigneault led the 2011 Canucks and 2014 Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final.  Subsequently, he emerged as one of the most respected coaches in the game.  Vigneault has evolved as a creative thinker over time.  Supplementing that has been his evolution from a shutdown coach.  Vigneault has merged flowing offense into his defensive portfolio.

Scoring balance is a key component to the Flyers success.  Namely Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, Claude Giroux, and Kevin Hayes each scored 20 or more goals.  Defenseman Ivan Provorov added 13 goals, 23 assists, and a +11.  While fellow blueliner Matt Niskanen added eight goals, 25 assists and a +15.   Meanwhile, Carter Hart posted a 2.42 goals-against average with a save percentage of .914.

Bruins Look to Complete Task After Falling One Game Short

Boston has the best record in NHL betting at 44-14-12.  Overall, the Bruins rank ninth for goals, second for power play, first for goals against, and third for penalty killing.  Last year the Bruins were stunned in a seven-game Stanley Cup Final.  Visiting St. Louis upset the Bruins to hoist hockey’s Holy Grail.  Even though it’s been a successful season only a Stanley Cup will suffice.

Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask has a 2.12 goals-against average and .929 save percentage.  RW David Pastrnak lit the lamp 48 times this season to go with 47 assists.

Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins Head to Head with Spread

In sum, the Flyers are 6-5 as a dog to the Bruins.  Philadelphia is 4-8-2 under the total when an underdog vs. Boston.  Boston is 2-5 in their last seven games with the Flyers.  And 3-7 under the total vs. Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins CashBet Free Pick

In this situation, we get a vastly improved Flyers team against proven power Boston.  Most of all the Bruins are deeper and driven.  Boston’s betting NHL mission is a Stanley Cup.  Look for a focused Bruins team to apply the hammer.

Flyers vs. Bruins CashBet Best Pick:  Boston Bruins and under the total