Prediction: Vancouver Canucks vs Philadelphia Flyers (10/12/11)

Vancouver Canucks @ Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:30 pm est
Roberto Luongo vs Ilya Bryzgalov

Before I get into tonight’s matchup, allow me to share my record to date in NHL picks. So far this season I am 8-2-1 +$1,940. And all of these picks are documented with handicapperseye.com

Now onto tonight’s BIG NHL pick!

Tonight is the home opener for the Philadelphia Flyers after starting the season on the road, going 2-0. This is a rather big game for the Flyers not only because it’s their home opener, but it’s their home opener with their “new” roster.

Only 6 offensive players return to the Flyers from last season, and newly acquired Ilya Bryzgalov also makes his new home debut. In net Ilya Bryzgalov has allowed just one goal this season so far. He has stopped 42 of 43 shots and has a shutout streak of 110:18 seconds.

It’s no secret that the Flyers main struggles in the past were their goaltending and it was a gift every-time they played high scoring teams like the Canucks to bet the over 5.5, every matchup. But this time it’s different with Bryzgalov in net and the Flyers defense returning all but one player from last season.

Ok so what about the Canucks?

The Canucks will start Roberto Luongo in net tonight, and although he may choke at times under pressure, he should be in the clear tonight, considering he is not at home in which is considered one of the loudest buildings in the NHL. As a matter of fact this statment is only true when the Canucks are in the playoffs.

They will be without Ryan Kesler tonight, and according to canucks.nhl.com Henrik Sedin did not practice yesterday due to a charlie horse, but is expected to play tonight. As for Marco Sturm he hurt his wrist last game, but is also expected to play tonight.

TRENDS:

This won’t be the first time the Flyers had their home opener against the Canucks. They’ve done it twice. Philly skated to a 6-3 victory in 2000-01 and another victory by the score of 7-3 back in 1972-73.

The Canucks have won two straight against the Flyers and are unbeaten in Philadelphia since losing in overtime there Nov. 13, 2003.

All signs point to take the over 5.5 in tonight’s matchup however, these trends were based on the past Flyers with their goaltending woes, and the Canucks did not have Luongo at the time of the first trend listed above. Tonight you have to love the under 5.5 especially with Bryzgalov and Luongo in net. Still expect a fast paced game with minimum whistles running the clock out.

Canucks vs Flyers UNDER 5.5 (5 UNITS)