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Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov takes a shot on goal against the Minnesota Wild as we offer our Flyers vs. Red Wings prediction.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov takes a shot on goal against the Minnesota Wild. Photo by Nick Wosika via Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers have righted themselves after a rough first month of the season. They now boast the sixth-best road points percentage (.750) since Nov. 6.

Now they'll take on a Detroit Red Wings squad with the seventh-worst home percentage, and the game will be held at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET, TNT).

Neither squad is a factor in the Stanley Cup odds, but the Flyers are in contention for the second wild-card spot.

Our Flyers vs. Red Wings prediction focuses on Calder Trophy odds front-runner Matvei Michkov.  

Today's Flyers vs. Red Wings prediction

Odds via our best NHL betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

My best pick: Matvei Michkov Over 2.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: +130 via Betway | Implied probability: 43.48%

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Michkov is playing like a seasoned first-line veteran, especially since being benched by John Tortorella at the start of November. He didn't score a point in the last two but amassed 10 points in the previous five.

His point total, set at 0.5, also appeals greatly. However, the -134 odds for him to notch at least one point are a bit too rich for my blood. So, let's turn to his shots prop, offering a much more palatable +130 for three or more shots. 

Michkov has hit the Over on this prop in four straight and five of the last seven. His current four-game Over streak is the longest of his first season in the NHL. He didn't register a shot on Dec. 12, the last time these teams met, but I'm banking on the recent momentum he's compiled.  

It also helps that he's facing a Red Wings team that allows the seventh-most shots per game on home ice (30.1) and the fifth-most overall (30.9). A winning $10 bet will profit $13. 

Flyers vs. Red Wings player prop pick

NHL picks made Wednesday; odds subject to change.

Scott Laughton prop pick: Anytime goal ⭐⭐

Best odds: +500 via Betway | Implied probability: 16.67%

I'm swinging for the fences in backing Scott Laughton to light the lamp at least once. While he's scored in just one game in the last eight, it was an explosive four-goal output in the Flyers' recent 4-1 win over the Red Wings. Also, he's comparatively prolific against Philadelphia, scoring 12 goals in the last 11, including a seven-game goal-scoring streak. 

I'd be more inclined to take Laughton to score an anytime point, but Betway doesn't offer that prop. Laughton has 16 points in the last 11 games against Philly. 

A winning $10 bet would profit $50. 

Prop pick: Under 6.5 goals ⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -140 via Betway | Implied probability: 58.33%

While the price is a bit expensive, I like the Under, primarily due to how well the Red Wings have been playing in their own end recently.

Detroit has allowed three goals or fewer in four of the last six contests. You can make it five of six if you exclude the empty-netter they allowed to the Flyers. 

Five of those six games had six or fewer goals.

Plus, Ville Husso is playing his best hockey in recent memory since returning from the AHL. He has allowed three goals or fewer in four straight and has a 2.79 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage in that span. 

Alex Lyon is available Wednesday, but based on how well Husso is playing, I don't see Derek Lalonde switching things up.

Flyers vs. Red Wings odds movement

The moneyline has experienced moderate movement in the hours leading up to puck drop, with the Red Wings shifting from a -135 favorite through Betway to as long as -115. Detroit has now drifted a little further back and sits at -120.

Those wanting to back the underdog Flyers can get them at even money after they were trading at -105 earlier in the afternoon.

Flyers vs. Red Wings live odds & info

  • When: Wednesday, Dec. 18
  • Puck drop: 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)
  • How to watch: TNT
  • Favorite: Red Wings (-120 via Betway)

Flyers vs. Red Wings injuries

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