Chicago Blackhawks - Philadelphia Flyers predictions and free betting tips [22/02/2024]

The Chicago Blackhawks will host the Philadelphia Flyers in the next match of the NHL regular championship.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have experienced challenges in the current season, amassing only 33 points and subsequently ranking low in the NHL standings. The team has encountered a series of defeats, including 21 consecutively on the road at United Center, underscoring their struggle for consistency. However, despite these challenges, there are bright spots in the lineup, including rookie frontman Connor Bedard's outstanding performance, leading amongst newcomers in terms of goals scored and successful passes. Bedard netted a goal and made two assists against Carolina, collecting 6 points in the last 3 games after returning from injury.

The Chicago Blackhawks demonstrate average metrics both in attack and defense, netting 2.09 goals per game and conceding 3.54. Their power play performance stands at a mere 3.1%, indicating weak points in specialized teams. Goalie Petr Mrazek has a record of 13-22-2 with a save percentage of 90.9, while Arvid Soderblom allowed 76 goal.

The team faces challenges from key player injuries, including the absence of Taylor Hall until 15 September, Andreas Athanasiou until 22 February, Connor Murphy until 4 March, and Nikita Zaitsev in the upcoming match. These absences exacerbate an already precarious situation for a team seeking stability and improved performance for the remaining season games.

Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers are continuing their fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, despite a defeat against the New Jersey Devils with a score of 3:6 in the NHL Stadium Series. Coach John Tortorella emphasised that this outcome must be taken as a one-off defeat, and must not spiral out of control. The team holds the third position in the Metropolitan Division, with 8 weeks remaining in the regular championship.

Defenseman Mark Staal notes the team's need for maintaining high standards of competitiveness and discipline, particularly during the most challenging part of the season. Success requires an upturn in form compared to the previous match. In their last game, Owen Tippett netted two goals, Nick Seeler also scored, while Travis Konecny made 2 successful passes. Konecny has shown distinction, amassing 6 points in his past three games.

The team faces difficulties due to key player injuries. Ryan Ellis, Rasmus Ristolainen and Carter Hart will be out until 1 July, 1 March and 16 April respectively, whilst Tyson Foerster is close to returning. The Philadelphia Flyers prevailed over the Coyotes, but fell to the Maple Leafs and Devils, averaging 2.91 goals per game with a realization of 13.3% of power plays. Travis Konecny leads the team with 26 netted goals, and Travis Sanheim with 25 successful passes. Owen Tippett stands out with 196 shots on goal. Defense-wise, the team concedes 2.91 goals per game, reflecting 86.4% of rival shots during power plays.

To date, the Philadelphia Flyers hold a 29-20-7 record. Despite their efforts, the team couldn’t surpass the New Jersey Devils in the last match, losing in shots with a total score of 40-48 and realising 1 out of 3 power play attempts. Russian Egor Zamula has 5 goals and 11 assists in 45 games as a defender.

Head-to-Head

In the match on 14 April, 2023, Philadelphia triumphed over Chicago with a score of 5:4 in overtime. On 20 January, 2023, Chicago defeated Philadelphia with a score of 4:1. On 26 April, 2022, Chicago bested Philadelphia with a score of 3:1. On 5 March, 2022, Philadelphia beat Chicago with a score of 4:3. On 25 October, 2019, Philadelphia gained victory over Chicago with a score of 4:1.

Prediction for the match: Chicago Blackhawks - Philadelphia Flyers

While Chicago is winning more often since Bedard's return, Philadelphia appears significantly stronger. They need to bounce back from 2 consecutive defeats, so my bet is on an away victory for the Flyers.