Neil Parker
• Betting Analyst
16+ years betting experience
Updated:
Apr 18, 2026 , 01:53 PM ET
• 3 min read
Parker’s prediction: Philly flies to 1-0 series lead with low-scoring Game 1 win at PPG.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Philadelphia Flyers right winger Travis Konecny.
The Battle of Pennsylvania is on for the first time since the 2018 postseason, with the Philadelphia Flyers visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena tonight.
My top Flyers vs. Penguins predictions are calling for Philly to continue its late-season surge with a low-scoring road upset in Game 1.
Read more in my NHL picks for Saturday, April 18.
Flyers vs Penguins Game 1 prediction
Flyers vs Penguins best bet: Under 6.5 (-130)
The Philadelphia Flyers were dominant defensively at five-on-five down the stretch with the fewest goals against and second-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes during their NHL-best 15-5-1 run after the March 6 trade deadline.
Excellent defense will be critical against the Pittsburgh Penguins because the Pens paced the league in goals per 60 minutes and team shooting percentage at 5-on-5 during the same result.
I’m anticipating the solid Philly defense to help kick-start statistical correction to the shooting efficiency from Pittsburgh and pave the way to this total going Under the number in Game 1.
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Flyers vs Penguins Game 1 same-game parlay
The Flyers received a huge boost with Porter Martone joining the team down the stretch, and he’s collected 10 points – four goals – across his first nine NHL games, including hitting the scoresheet in each of the past six.
Martone projects to jump the boards with veterans Christian Dvorak and Travis Konecny, and the trio has posted a 57.1% shot share at five-on-five. So, with Konecny dropping to a 1.5 shots total, this is the perfect spot to target him after recording just seven shots across his final six games of the regular season.
Konecny frequently trades at a 2.5 shots total, and he recorded two or more shots in 51 of 77 regular-season games.
Flyers vs Penguins SGP
- Flyers moneyline
- Porter Martone Over 0.5 points
- Travis Konecny Over 1.5 shots
Flyers vs Penguins Game 1 goal scorer pick
Travis Konecny (+270)
Flyers winger Travis Konecny only scored twice across his final 13 games of the regular season despite recording 3.67 individual expected goals and 14 high-danger scoring chances while averaging 18:20 of ice time and jumping the boards with the No. 1 power-play unit.
Konecny’s 7.4 shooting percentage during the skid was also way below his 17.7% mark through the first 64 games of the season.
Flyers vs Penguins odds for Game 1
- Moneyline: Philadelphia +125 | Pittsburgh -150
- Puck Line: Philadelphia +1.5 (-183) | Pittsburgh -1.5 (+183)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+105) | Under 6.5 (-130)
Flyers vs Penguins trend
Philadelphia has won 18 of its last 25 games (+15.20 Units / 56% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Flyers vs. Penguins.
How to watch Flyers vs Penguins Game 1
| Location | PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date | Saturday, April 18, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN, Sportsnet |
Flyers vs Penguins latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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