Game 1: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers

May 09, 2008 | By Adam McLean | Picks Articles Archive

It is always an occasion when the Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Philadelphia Flyers for another edition in the “Battle of Pennsylvania” rivalry. But the stakes will be even higher now, as the two will clash at Mellon Arena on Friday for the first game of the Eastern Conference final in the NHL playoffs. BetUS.com has the Pittsburgh Penguins –175 odds favorites over the Philadelphia Flyers +155 with the total set at 5.5 goals. Get your NHL Playoff Betting in now at BetUS.com

GAME: Philadelphia Flyers (8-4) at Pittsburgh Penguins (8-1)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 09 - 7:30 PM EST
LINE: BetUS.com TOTAL: 5.5
Pick: Philly +155

The Flyers got past the top-seeded Montreal Canadiens in six games, and they did it by sticking with the formula that got them to the postseason, physical play. The Flyers battered the smaller Canadiens into submission, and also got into their heads. R.J. Umberger led the offense with eight goals and an assist, and he did all that with just 20 shots on goal, which is an outstanding percentage. Martin Biron had another excellent series in goal, putting up a 2.79 GAA and a .921 SVPCT. The Fyers have averaged 4.00 GAG in their last five games.

The Penguins wrapped up their five-game series with the New York Rangers with an overtime goal by Marian Hossa, who notched a pair in the clincher. Hossa combined with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for 18 points in the series, and they are as formidable a power-play trio as any in the league. Marc-Andre Fleury did his part in nets, as the young goaltender has a 2.15 GAA and a .924 SVPCT. The Pens have averaged 3.00 GAG in their last five games.

These two rivals each won four of eight meeting during the regular season, as every game was hard-fought and usually scrappy.

Recent Trends to Consider

Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. a team with a winning record.
Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 overall.
Flyers are 4-1 in their last 5 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Penguins are 14-37-6 in their last 57 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Penguins are 1-4 in their last 5 Conference Finals games.

The Bottom Line: Philly has played tougher teams throughout their playoff run compared to the Pens. The Pens don’t have the grit that Philly has and they take too many penalties. Go Philly! Get your NHL Playoff Betting in now at BetUS.com

Game 1: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers

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