NHL Predictions: January 3rd Philadelphia Flyers vs Edmonton Oilers

If the Edmonton offence can get rolling in a game, most teams can’t keep up with the track meet. But navigate through their defensive and goaltending issues, and there’s a way to nullify the impact of McDavid and company.

Flyers’ Storylines

Similarly, the Flyers ended 2025 with a rough night on the ice on New Year’s Eve, falling to the Calgary Flames, 5-1. They finished December with a 6-5-4 record, good enough to maintain their pace in the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff race and retain the third spot in the Metropolitan Division.

However, that record does little to determine just what the Flyers are this season. They continue to get great goaltending from Dan Vladar, who is expected to start this game, and below-average numbers from Sam Ersson. Some nights, the offence provides six goals, and then, another night, next to nothing. The inconsistency is the big knock on the Flyers.

Two players who have been consistent in their production are Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny. Konecny had 17 points in 15 games in December, including eight goals. Zegras remains on pace to set new career marks in all scoring categories. He sits at a point-per-game pace entering the new year with 39 in 39 games.

Prediction and Best Bets

Score Prediction: Oilers 4, Flyers 3

The Flyers have been competitive all season and have been as resilient as it gets in games following a regulation loss. But the Oilers are a different level of competition. With McDavid on his current pace, the Flyers need a near-perfect level of defensive play to counter it. They performed well in that area when Edmonton visited Philadelphia in November, but replicating it is always a challenge. Expect a close game, but the Oilers to have the edge.

For best bets on the Flyers, take Trevor Zegras to get back on the scoresheet with a point or two. Zegras has been held without a point in two of the last three games after a nine-game points streak, but has consistently bounced back.

For the Oilers, don’t overthink it and go with McDavid. He’s been picking up points at such a high rate that it’s almost expected for him to be on the board.

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