🏒 Flyers vs. Penguins Prediction & Odds: Game 2 NHL Picks Today (April 20)

Despite expecting the Philadelphia Flyers to progress to the second round eventually, I'm backing Pittsburgh to earn a split at home tonight at PPG Paints Arena (7 p.m. ET, ESPN) in my Flyers vs. Penguins prediction for Game 2. 

The Penguins are the -150 moneyline betting favorite, with 63% of the betting public also backing the home team. My best bet, however, is Under 6.5 goals, thanks to Philly's defensive dominance since the end of February. With my player prop, I'm featuring Sidney Crosby, who will look to take out his frustration by hitting the Flyers where it hurts the most. 

🏒 Flyers vs. Penguins picks & odds today: April 20 

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.15 units

🏆 Who will win Flyers vs. Penguins?

I'm backing the Penguins to flip the script in Game 2 and win 3-2. They're much better than their Game 1 showing, where the team mustered just 2.01 expected goals.

A bounce-back game is required, and the Pens have come too far this season to lose both home games to a team it beat twice in the regular season. 

Score prediction: Penguins 3, Flyers 2 (+2700)

💰 Flyers vs. Penguins prediction & best bet

Under 6.5 (-135)

The Flyers made the playoffs because of a superb defense and rock-solid goaltending from Dan Vladar. The Flyers' No. 1 has allowed two or fewer goals in six of the previous seven games, including the 3-2 Game 1 victory. The Flyers allowed the second-fewest goals per game (2.36) since Feb. 26, a span of 25 games. 

While Stuart Skinner finished Game 1 with a -1.19 goals saved above expected, he played well for the most part, and I expect the same tonight. 

🔥 Best Flyers vs. Penguins player prop bet

Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 assists (-135) 

Crosby was held off the scoresheet in Game 1, providing even more motivation to make it right in Game 2. He usually dominates the Flyers, scoring six points in the four meetings before the playoffs commenced.

Of course, it's easier to pile the points on in the regular season, but this is Crosby we're talking about. I reckon he'll score or assist, but I'm hoping for the latter.

The -135 odds at FanDuel are comparatively palatable, with some of the best sports betting sites pricing the pick at -145 and beyond. 

🚀 Flyers vs. Penguins same-game parlay

I have the Pens winning a relatively low-scoring Game 2, 3-2. If the Pens score three goals, the likelihood is that Crosby will be in on at least one of them. I'm banking on it being a helper. 

💵 My betting record for NHL picks

All NHL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 1.

💡 How I'm betting Flyers vs. Penguins

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

There was nothing to choose between these teams in the regular season, both finishing with 98 points. Both teams won two games in the season series and one in each other's barn. I can't see the series being a blowout despite the Flyers' current scintillating form. 

While I believe the Flyers will win the series, the Pens should have enough to earn a split at home. That's why I'm confident in betting a unit for each pick, especially considering the short odds. 

About the odds: They are not ideal, and I'm the first to admit that.

However, I'd rather back a wager with confidence, even if the potential profit margin is diminished. That's not usually the case, but I'm erring on the side of caution to kick off the postseason. 

📊 Live Flyers vs. Penguins odds: Game 2

The Pens opened as the -145 moneyline betting favorite, and the line has shortened to between -150 and -155. That's because the public believes the Pens will even the series at 1 heading back to Philly for Games 3 and 4. 

📈 Flyers vs. Penguins betting trends

🚑 Flyers vs. Penguins injuries

📺 How to watch Flyers vs. Penguins Game 2

• Date: Monday, April 20
• Puck drop: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh)
• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN+