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The Philadelphia Flyers (0-1-2) and Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1-0) will meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla. The game will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
The Lightning are favored at -214 on the moneyline, with the Flyers +177 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 5.5 (-127o / +107u).
Let's get into our Flyers vs. Lightning predictions and NHL picks.
Flyers vs. Lightning Prediction
- Pick: Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 Shot Blocks
Our Philadelphia vs. Tampa Bay best bet is on Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 Shot Blocks, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page.
Flyers vs Lightning Odds
| Flyers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -140 | 5.5 -127o / +107u | +177 |
| Lightning Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +117 | 5.5 -127o / +107u | -214 |
- Flyers vs. Lightning puck line: Lightning -1.5 (+117 ), Flyers +1.5 (-140)
- Flyers vs. Lightning over/under: 5.5 (-127o / +107u)
- Flyers vs. Lightning moneyline: Flyers +177, Lightning -214
- Flyers vs. Lightning best bet: Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 Shot Blocks
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Flyers vs. Lightning Pick
Although Brandon Hagel is primarily recognized for his top-six scoring ability, his high-effort, two-way game makes him an integral part of Tampa Bay's defensive structure.
While Hagel has yet to record a blocked shot through the Lightning’s first two games of the season, his baseline track record proves it is only a matter of time. Last season, Hagel ranked fifth among all Lightning forwards in blocked shots, consistently demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice the body.
The matchup dynamics against Philadelphia create the ideal script for defensive props. Early indications through three games show a clear tactical shift for the Flyers, who currently rank ninth in the NHL in blocked shot attempts allowed.
Compared to last season, when Philadelphia ranked 20th in that same category, the Flyers are taking a far less disciplined approach, firing the puck toward the net from anywhere on the ice.
Philadelphia's volume relies heavily on blue-line triggers and high-volume shooters: defensemen Nick Seeler and Travis Sanheim and sniper Owen Tippett, who combine for 13 total shots blocked.
Tippett’s shooting profile offers a prime target for Hagel in the defensive zone. Tippett operates as a pure sniper, averaging a distant shot location of 40.9 feet and launching the majority of his attempts from the bumper position between the faceoff circles.
Because Tippett fires high volume from distance, opposing forwards have ample time and space to step into his shooting lane. Whether collapsing on Tippett in the high slot or challenging Seeler and Sanheim along the blue line, Hagel will have multiple opportunities to get a piece of a puck.
Expect Hagel to get back to his two-way habits against a Philadelphia team that fires recklessly from the perimeter. With the Flyers funneling heavy puck volume through the slot and point men, Hagel is well-positioned to break his short drought and step in front of a shot.
Best Bet: Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 Shot Blocks
