Flyers vs. Lightning Betting Preview (August 8, 2020)

On Saturday night, the Flyers and Lightning meet in a Round Robin game that will determine the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Let’s get into our Flyers-Lightning betting preview, including odds, boosts, and picks.

Flyers vs. Lightning Betting Preview

Entering the NHL’s Return to Play, many fans and pundits alike wondered aloud whether the Round Robin games would be as intense as those being played as part of the Qualifying Round taking place to determine the final four playoff teams in each conference. It’s safe to say those concerns will be assuaged Saturday night.

The Flyers entered the Toronto bubble knowing they could finish no worse than fourth place, which was the same place they held at the end of the regular season. The Round Robin games have gone as well if not better than expected. Having downed the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals, the first- and third-place teams, respectively, at the end of the regular season, the Flyers have guaranteed themselves one of the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Led by Jack Adams finalist Alain Vigneault, the Flyers will look to finish the job with a victory over Tampa Bay. James van Riemsdyk will return to the lineup replacing winger Jake Voracek, who was announced unavailable for today’s game during Vigneault’s media availability on Friday:

Here's Alain Vigneault on JVR getting back into the lineup and Jake Voracek being "unavailable" for Saturday's game vs. the Lightning. #Flyers #AnytimeAnywhere pic.twitter.com/AAYXarR3kc

— Russ Joy (@JoyOnBroad) August 7, 2020

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a successful run since the NHL resumed play, including a 3-2 shootout over the Washington Captials to begin play, followed by a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. Tampa entered the NHL bubble with the second-most points of any Eastern Conference squad in the regular season. They’ve subsequently guaranteed themselves no worse than a second-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs by virtue of their two wins in the bubble. One issue for the Lightning to overcome in this one is the absence of Steven Stamkos, who suffered an injury during voluntary workouts nearly a month ago.

Flyers vs. Lightning Odds

Here’s the line for the Flyers and Lightning at DraftKings Sportsbook PA:

Spread: Flyers +1, Lightning -1
Moneyline: Flyers +116, Lightning -134
Over/Under: O 5.5 -120, U 5.5 -103

[sb-standard teams=”Philadelphia Flyers” books=”DraftKings”]

Bets We Like With a Flyers Win

Money Puck gives the Flyers an 49.4% chance of winning this game. It’s worth noting that Money Puck correctly predicted the Flyers’ wins over Boston and Washington, making this the first time they’ve agreed with the oddsmakers, installing Philadelphia as the underdogs. The Flyers’ implied win probability, based on the moneyline, is 46.3%.

Flyers Win (+120, FanDuel)

The Flyers have lost each of their last seven games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, including a 1-0 loss on January 11 and a 5-3 loss on February 15. Their last win against Tampa came on December 29, 2017 in a 5-3 victory. The Flyers have managed to pull off the upset in their first two games in the bubble, but the loss of Jake Voracek, who led the team in assists during the regular season with 44, could be huge. Tampa could choose to focus on the red hot second line of Scott Laughton, Kevin Hayes, and Travis Konecny, where the majority of the Flyers points have come from through two games.

If you’re really hellbent on taking the Flyers, the best bang for your buck is at FanDuel Sportsbook. If you really want to get wild, check out a same game parlay with the Flyers and another prop as well.

You can get this one at FanDuel Sportsbook PA by clicking here.

Bets We Like With a Lightning Win

Lightning Win and Over 5.5 Total Goals (+270, DraftKings)

It’s hard to overlook just how good the Lightning have been this season. Sure, they finished second overall in Eastern Conference, after posting a gaudy 128 points a season ago, but once they get Steven Stamkos back for the elimination rounds, they’ll be no less dangerous than they were in the 2018-19 season. The O/U was originally set at 6 goals, which should have given bettors pause. In nine of the last ten matchups between these teams, the teams have combined for at least six goals, with the January 11 meeting this season standing as the only outlier.

You can get this one at DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking here.

Lightning Win and Under 5.5 Total Goals (+390, DraftKings)

If you’re less of a historical trend bettor and more of a current trends bettor, keep in mind that in 14 of 19 games in the Toronto bubble have gone under 5.5 total goals. In fact, two of the five games to go over 5.5 goals in Toronto came in overtime. Not one of the five games to go over 5.5 goals came in the Eastern Conference Round Robin. Additionally, each of the Lightning’s past eight night games against opponents from the Metropolitan Division have gone under the total goals line.

You can get this one at DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking here.

Bets We Like Independent of Outcome

Highest Scoring Period: Period 2 (+250, FOX Bet)

Tampa Bay has allowed more goals in the second period during the Round Robin than in any other period. The Flyers racked up three goals in the second period against Boston and tallied a goal in each period against Washington. While there’s a chance both teams come out firing, it’s more likely the first period ends up being more of a feeling out period, with things opening up considerably with some adjustments during the first intermission.

New users at FOX Bet can get a $20 free bet with no deposit and a $100 deposit match when they sign up in PA here and NJ here.

Under 5.5 Total Goals (+100, FanDuel)

For all the reasons listed in above, the recent scoring trends in Toronto, specifically in the Round Robin cannot be ignored. The most bang for your buck is at FanDuel Sportsbook.

You can get this one at FanDuel Sportsbook PA by clicking here.

Flyers vs. Lightning Prediction

Pick: The Flyers have managed to defy the odds twice in the Round Robin games. Their luck will likely end in this one. Take the Lightning to win and parlay that with the over or under depending on your preference to follow historical trends or recent trends.

Take the Lightning and Over/Under 5.5 goals based on your preference at DraftKings and get $1,000 in free bets here.