Flyers vs. Rangers odds, preview, prediction 3/26: Flyers keep hanging around

Flyers vs. Rangers Odds

Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

Philadelphia Flyers

John Tortorella’s decision to scratch captain Sean Couturier has stolen the headlines, but the Flyers just keep finding ways to hang around. Somehow, they continue to hold down the third spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Philadelphia is fresh off a game in which it dominated the Florida Panthers — allowing just 15 shots on goal and registering 33 of their own — but suffered a 4-1 loss thanks to a shaky performance from backup goaltender Felix Sandstrom.

The Flyers are just 2-3-1 in their past six games, but have been put through the gauntlet with matchups against the Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and two apiece against the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Only two of these six contests have been decided by more than one goal, so it’s not as if Philadelphia has been playing poorly.

Tuesday’s trip to Madison Square Garden presents another difficult task for the Flyers, but their 49.05 xGF% at 5-on-5 across their past six contests proves they can still hang with the big dogs of the Eastern Conference. 

Samuel Ersson should be back between the pipes, but his numbers have fallen off a bit of late. The 24-year-old owns a 3.16 GAA and a .888 SV% through nine starts in March. 

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New York Rangers

The Rangers have battled through a gauntlet of their own over the past two weeks, but have won seven of their past nine games. As a result, they sit atop the league standings. 

New York can be inconsistent and unpredictable, but the Rangers are also a strong team because of the number of ways in which they can win games. Their past five contests include a seven-goal effort against the Pittsburgh Penguins, an impressive defensive performance in a 5-2 win over the Bruins and a third-period comeback to defeat the Panthers. 

While New York’s formula tends to change from night to night, its underlying defensive numbers have improved significantly since acquiring Alex Wennberg and Jack Roslovic at the trade deadline. Over the Rangers’ nine games since the deadline, their 2.22 xGA/60 at 5-on-5 ranks seventh in the NHL, and their 26.01 SA/60 at 5-on-5 ranks fourth. They are no longer regularly getting caved in at even strength.

The Rangers still need to generate more consistent 5-on-5 offense, but for now, their sixth-ranked power play — which has heated back up of late — has helped them get the job done.

Goaltender Igor Shesterkin is likely to get the nod again Tuesday. He has returned to form over the past two months and has been excellent in his two starts against the Flyers this season, allowing just two goals on 77 shots. 

Flyers vs. Rangers

Betting Pick & Prediction

The first two meetings between the Flyers and Rangers this season have featured three and four total goals, and I don't expect Tuesday's game to be much different.

New York is defending as well as it has all season, and while Philadelphia's defensive game hasn't been quite as sharp of late, the Rangers' lack of consistent 5-on-5 offensive pressure should leave the Flyers with some breathing room. Both of these teams have been in the top five in SA/60 since the trade deadline, so look for much of this game to be played on the outside and in the neutral zone.

Most sportsbooks have the total at 5.5, but DraftKings has it listed at 6. I like the under at just -120 odds.

Pick: Under 6 (-120 at DraftKings) | Play to -125