The Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins are two of the NHL's most historical franchises, and their roles in history will continue Sunday. Lake Tahoe's breathtaking beauty and surrounding mountains will be the backdrop for a potential East Division playoff preview when the Bruins and Flyers meet on NBC. Boston is rampaging through the East Division with one of the best records in hockey. Philadelphia is one of the NHL's best offensive teams but is starting to take on water defensively. Sunday's matchup is worthy of its spectacular setting.Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday
NHL Betting: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins
When: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 3 p.m. ET
Where: Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Stateline, Nevada
TV: NBC
Bookmaker Odds: Check Back Later
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins Bookmaker Odds Analysis
The Boston Bruins are one of the NHL's most iconic brands. Boston's fan base is generational, going back to its Glory Years of the late 1960s and early 1970s when Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and the Big Bad Bruins won two Stanley Cups while being featured on US national television regularly. Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup and 2019 appearance in the Stanley Cup Final enhances their wagering credibility with the masses. By contrast, Philadelphia was wallowing in the depths of NHL misery for most of the past decade until last year's breakout playoff season. Thus, most money is going to the Bruins.
Boston Bruins Printing Money in East Division Lead
Boston is in good form with five wins in their last seven games. Three of their last four games have gone under the total. The Bruins bring a record of 10-2-2 with 6-8 under the total. Boston leads the East Division standings. NHL metrics show the Bruins 18th for goal scoring, 8th for the power play, 3rd for goals against, and 3rd for penalty killing.
Philadelphia Flies Without Defense
The Flyers are also in good form with five wins in their last seven games. Philadelphia has gone over the total in three of their previous four games. As a result, the Flyers have a record of 8-3-2 with 9-4 over the total. That puts Philadelphia third in the East Division, four points behind the Bruins. NHL metrics have the Flyers 6th for goal scoring, 15th for the power play, 20th for goals against, 30th for shots allowed, and 28th for the penalty kill.
Those defensive numbers, especially for shots allowed, are of particular concern. Last year the Flyers tightened up enough defensively without sacrificing offense. That has not been the case this year and is beginning to harm goaltender Carter Hart's performance.
Top Skaters
Left wing James van Riemsdyk leads the Flyers with seven goals, 11 assists, and a plus-five. Right wing Jakub Voracek adds three goals, nine assists, and a plus-two. Defenseman Erik Gustafsson has been the best on an erratic blue line with no goals, seven assists, and a plus-one.
Center Patrice Bergeron leads Boston with seven goals, 11 assists, and a plus-six. Center Brad Marchand adds nine goals, nine assists, and a plus-seven. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy brings one goal, ten assists, and a plus-five.
The Goaltenders
Philadelphia goaltender Carter Hart is feeling the strain of the Flyers' leaky defense. Hart has a .895 save percentage and 3.61 goals against average. Those numbers show how he's been victimized by a lack of defensive support. The Flyers allow too many quality chances against Hart, hanging him out to dry.
Boston number one goalie Tuukka Rask has a .905 save percentage with a 2.51 goals against average.
Head-to-Head Series Stats
Boston has won all four games against the Flyers this season. Three of those four games went over the total.
Bruins vs. Flyers Bookmaker Free Pick
The difference in this game is the Flyers' poor defense and penalty killing. Boston brings one of the best power plays in the NHL and should exploit those Philadelphia weaknesses.
Bookmaker Best Bet: Boston Bruins
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
