The final game of the NHL regular season kicks off on Thursday, April 17th at 7 p.m. ET, as the Philadelphia Flyers travel to Buffalo to face the Sabres. With neither team securing a playoff spot, this game marks the end of another challenging year for both sides, but they’ll still be fighting for pride and a chance to end the season on a high note.
Flyers and Sabres look to finish strong
Philadelphia (33-38-10) is reeling from a 3-0 loss to Columbus and will be eager to shake off their recent struggles. Despite standout performances from forwards like Travis Konecny (75 points) and Matvei Michkov (60 points), the Flyers have been inconsistent all year, especially defensively, allowing an average of 3.43 goals per game. With little to play for except finishing on a positive note, the Flyers will need to find their rhythm on the road to avoid another disappointing result.
Buffalo (35-39-7) faces a similar situation after a 4-0 loss to Toronto. With an offense that has been firing on all cylinders (3.2 goals per game), led by Tage Thompson (72 points) and Rasmus Dahlin (68 points), the Sabres have shown they can compete, but defensive issues (3.49 goals allowed per game) have cost them all season. Despite their record, Buffalo has been more solid at home (22-15-3) and will look to finish strong in front of their crowd.
Players to watch and matchup preview
For Philadelphia, goaltender Samuel Ersson is expected to get the start. His record of 22-17-5 with a 3.14 GAA and .883 SV% doesn’t fully capture his potential, as he’s been impressive in his limited career against Buffalo (3-1, 1.83 GAA, .913 SV%).
Buffalo counters with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has a 24-24-5 record and 3.20 GAA. While Luukkonen has struggled against the Flyers (3.80 GAA, .886 SV%), he will be looking to end his season on a positive note, especially at home.
Final prediction and betting insight
With both teams playing out the string, Buffalo holds the edge with the home-ice advantage and their offensive firepower. Look for the Sabres to outscore the Flyers and finish the season with a win.
Prediction: Sabres 4, Flyers 2
Betting Tips:
Buffalo Moneyline (-142)
Under 6.5 goals (-120)
Also Read: Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings (April 17): Final regular season clash sets tone for Toronto’s playoff drive
This final matchup may lack playoff implications, but it promises to deliver some thrilling action as both teams look to close out their seasons on a high.
Flyers and Sabres look to finish strong
Philadelphia (33-38-10) is reeling from a 3-0 loss to Columbus and will be eager to shake off their recent struggles. Despite standout performances from forwards like Travis Konecny (75 points) and Matvei Michkov (60 points), the Flyers have been inconsistent all year, especially defensively, allowing an average of 3.43 goals per game. With little to play for except finishing on a positive note, the Flyers will need to find their rhythm on the road to avoid another disappointing result.
Buffalo (35-39-7) faces a similar situation after a 4-0 loss to Toronto. With an offense that has been firing on all cylinders (3.2 goals per game), led by Tage Thompson (72 points) and Rasmus Dahlin (68 points), the Sabres have shown they can compete, but defensive issues (3.49 goals allowed per game) have cost them all season. Despite their record, Buffalo has been more solid at home (22-15-3) and will look to finish strong in front of their crowd.
Players to watch and matchup preview
For Philadelphia, goaltender Samuel Ersson is expected to get the start. His record of 22-17-5 with a 3.14 GAA and .883 SV% doesn’t fully capture his potential, as he’s been impressive in his limited career against Buffalo (3-1, 1.83 GAA, .913 SV%).
Buffalo counters with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has a 24-24-5 record and 3.20 GAA. While Luukkonen has struggled against the Flyers (3.80 GAA, .886 SV%), he will be looking to end his season on a positive note, especially at home.
Final prediction and betting insight
With both teams playing out the string, Buffalo holds the edge with the home-ice advantage and their offensive firepower. Look for the Sabres to outscore the Flyers and finish the season with a win.
Prediction: Sabres 4, Flyers 2
Betting Tips:
Buffalo Moneyline (-142)
Under 6.5 goals (-120)
Also Read: Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings (April 17): Final regular season clash sets tone for Toronto’s playoff drive
This final matchup may lack playoff implications, but it promises to deliver some thrilling action as both teams look to close out their seasons on a high.
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