As the Flyers start a new season in Las Vegas, is it worth rolling the dice on the orange and black?
The Bovada sportsbook has released the odds for the upcoming NHL campaign with some interesting bets across the board.
Flyers odds
(+600 to win Metropolitan Division)
(+1200 to win Eastern Conference)
(+2600 to win Stanley Cup)
The Flyers have a realistic shot at winning the Metropolitan Division this season. Vegas predicts the Capitals will have a Stanley Cup hangover with 97.5 points as the over/under, which is the same total as the Flyers and Blue Jackets. That leaves only the Penguins at 102.5. If Flyers' goaltending can stay healthy, they have the firepower to take the division. The odds on winning the East and the Cup just aren't enticing enough.
Team point total - 97.5 (Over -125, Under -105)
After the Flyers finished with 98 last season, Vegas has the total at 97.5, and I'm inclined to grab the over. The Rangers are rebuilding, the Islanders lost John Tavares, the Hurricanes are, well, the Hurricanes and the Devils won't duplicate last season's success. The Flyers have a relatively easy travel schedule, their core players are healthy and don't expect another 10-game losing streak this season.
Philadelphia Flyers
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Claude Giroux (+2000 to win Art Ross Trophy, +2200 to win Hart Trophy)
If Giroux couldn't garner enough votes to finish as a finalist for the Hart last season after a monstrous 102-point season, then it will certainly never happen for the Flyers' captain. That's why I would take a stab at the Art Ross. Giroux was a runner-up to Connor McDavid last season, and Vegas is giving him 20/1 odds - a much better bet than the 22/1 for the Hart.
Flyers individual point totals (-11 under/-115 over)
Claude Giroux - 84.5
Jakub Voracek - 72.5
Sean Couturier - 57.5
James van Riemsdyk - 56.5
If all stay healthy, I can see them all four surpassing these totals. Giroux has looked great this preseason and he should reach 80 points if healthy. I'd stay away from JVR's total with the uncertainty of which line and power-play unit he'll be assigned to. Voracek will come close to his total as well, but even at 75 games played, Couturier appears to be easy money here. Take the over playing with Giroux on the top line and on the No. 1 PP unit.
