Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Tips

Once upon a time, Rick Tocchet was a star player for the Philadelphia Flyers and epitomized the organization's passion, toughness, and excellence.

With that in mind, Tocchet was called home this summer to get the franchise back on track as a serious playoff contender.

At the midway point of the season, Tocchet is delivering the goods. The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the most improved teams in the NHL.

Additionally, Tocchet played for the Flyers' arch-rival Pittsburgh Penguins, for three seasons. Thus, he understands the rivalry as only a few coaches can.

In a similar vein to Philadelphia, the Penguins could be one of the NHL’s great comeback stories. But after a hot start, the Pens have cooled off, putting their playoff chances in peril.

There is a logjam of teams fighting for the final spot in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers and Penguins are in that battle royale, making their Thursday matchup critical.

Flyers at Penguins Preview

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Philadelphia Flyers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Faceoff time is 7 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

Public Betting Odds Factors

• Thursday’s ESPN rivalry matchup of the Flyers and Penguins is a certain viewership and betting traffic winner.

• Philadelphia will be a popular pick with sharps as a quality team getting a more favorable price on the road.

•  Pittsburgh will draw plenty of casual-sector support in NHL betting as a popular brand having a reasonably good season.

Flyers at Penguins Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider 

• Although the Penguins have dominated the Flyers in Pittsburgh, that was before Tocchet arrived as head coach.

• Tocchet has changed the Flyers' culture and results.

• Pittsburgh has come back to Earth and will be overpriced at home.

Penguins at Flyers Prime Best Bet: Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers at Penguins Betting Tips

Philadelphia Flyers 

• The Philadelphia Flyers are 22-14-8 straight up and 24-20 over/under the total.

• Philadelphia is 8^th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings.

• Philadelphia is eight points behind the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

• Philadelphia has covered two out of its last six games.

• The Flyers have gone over the total in five of their previous seven matchups.

• Philadelphia has NHL rankings of 20^th for goals scored and 30^th for power play efficiency.

• On comparison, on defense, the Flyers have NHL rankings of 10^th for goals against and 11^th for penalty killing.

Pittsburgh Penguins 

• The Pittsburgh Penguins are 21-14-9 straight up and 22-21-1 over/under the total.

• Pittsburgh is 11^th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings.

• Pittsburgh is nine points behind the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

• Pittsburgh has covered five out of its last eight games.

• The Penguins have gone over the total in four of their previous six matchups.

• Pittsburgh has NHL rankings of 13^th for goals scored and 3^rd for power play efficiency.

• On defense, the Penguins rank 12th in goals against and 7th in penalty killing.

Flyers at Penguins Head-to-Head and Key Stats

Philadelphia has covered ten of its last 17 away games.

The Flyers went over the total in five of their most recent seven road games.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh won only four of its last 12 home games.

The Penguins went over the NHL spread total in seven of their last nine home games.

In the series between the Flyers and Penguins, Philadelphia got the cash in three of their most recent five meetings.

Only two of the last seven games between the Flyers and Penguins went under the total.

Specifically in Pittsburgh, the Penguins saw the Flyers' window in seven of their last eight games.

Five of the last seven games between the Flyers and Penguins in Pittsburgh went over the total.