Online Sportsbook Overview
The Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning are right where they should be in their respective divisions. The Flyers is second to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Atlantic Division, and the Lightning is second to the Washington Capitals in the Southeast Division. Considering the slow starts both the Flyers and Lightning had to the 2011-2012 season, they should both be happy to be where they are. But the Flyers have larger aspirations than second place in the Atlantic Division.Philadelphiawent out and got goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov and took a chance on veteran Jaromir Jagr to make a run at a Stanley Cup this season. The Flyers gave up scoring leaders Jeff Carter and Mike Richards to get the new players, and that may be what causes problems forPhiladelphiain the future.
The Tampa Bay Lightning is essentially the same team that went to the Eastern Conference finals last year. The price per head bookmaking experts are trying to understand how the same roster is supposed to push the Lightning into the Stanley Cup finals this year. But the Lightning won a lot of its games last year based on its consistent approach and steady goaltending. The same team is in place from last year and the pay per head management inTampaBay really believes that this roster can win a championship for the Lightning.
Philadelphia Flyers
When the bet online media talks about the Philadelphia Flyers, it tends to forget Danny Briere. Jarmoir Jagr has taken all of the headlines inPhiladelphia, but Briere is on a point-per-game pace and has a +2 rating this season. But injuries have not allowed Briere to be consistent this season. If Briere could find his groove, then he could accent Jagr’s point-per-game pace and the two of them could help pushPhiladelphia towards the Stanley Cup finals. The Flyers also have a solid defense led by Chris Pronger. Pronger has also had injury issues this season, but he is looking to come back and contribute soon. When thisPhiladelphia team is healthy, it truly is one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. But a rash of injuries have made the Flyers happy just to be in second place in the Atlantic Division.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning has a fast defense that can stay with the Philadelphiaforwards. But the problems for TampaBayin this game will come on offense. The Flyers have a large and mobile NHL defense that can shut down players like Steven Stamkos and Vincent Le Cavalier. The Lightning will need to put its skating legs on and make the biggerPhiladelphia defense try to keep up if it wants to win this game.
The Bottom Line
The Flyers know how to exploit its size and can skate with almost any team in the league. Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov was having issues early in the season, but he seems ready to play and will be a huge factor in deciding the outcome of this game.
Pick: Philadelphia Flyers
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