Flyers Predicted to Finish 26th Overall in Points; Hurricanes, Devils Picked 1-2 By Sportsbook

UPDATED VERSION …

A gambling website has published Philadelphia Flyers over/under points totals for next season. Not surprisingly, the Flyers are seventh from the bottom of the NHL in predicted points.

BetOnline’s over/under line is 76.5 points for the Philadelphia Flyers, slightly better than their final total last season. The Flyers’ predicted total for 2023-24 ranks 26th in the NHL.

Last season in John Tortorella’s first year behind the bench, the Flyers opened at 78.5 points and finished with 75 points, after a 31-38-13 season.

Teams with lower points totals than Philadelphia, from BetOnline, are:

27. Arizona Coyotes: 73.5

28. Chicago Blackhawks: 71.5 (guess the oddsmakers are not expecting Connor Bedard to go crazy next season)

29. Columbus Blue Jackets: 71.5

30. Montreal Canadiens: 70.5

31. San Jose Sharks: 70.5

32. Anaheim Ducks: 66.6

The Flyers’ anticipated low finish is in line with other media outlets.

ESPN ranked the Flyers 29th out of 32 teams in its way-too-early power rankings in June. BetMGM’s odds for winning the Stanley Cup had the Flyers ranked 27th. Sportsnet ranked the Flyers dead-last in their midsummer power rankings two weeks ago.

A week ago, I predicted the Flyers would exceed their 75-point total from last season. Still feel that way.

Yes, a rebuilding season could have some long nights. But if Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson return from season-long injuries, if the young forwards continue their progression, and if the defense improves, the Flyers will be better than last season.

That’s a lot of variables. That might be too much to expect. But we’re not talking playoffs here. We’re talking improvement, a step forward.

BetOnline’s top 10 in predicted points are:

1. Carolina Hurricanes: 101.5
2. New Jersey Devils: 108.5
3. Colorado Avalanche: 106.5
4. Edmonton Oilers: 106.5
5. Toronto Maple Leafs: 106.5
6. Dallas Stars: 104.5
7. Vegas Golden Knights: 104.5
8. New York Rangers: 103.5
9. Boston Bruins: 101.5
10. Los Angeles Kings: 101.

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Five big questions facing the Flyers.

The questions we didn’t ask about the Flyers.

Two happenings around the NHL of interest to Flyers fans.

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Chicago Hockey Now: Blackhawks second-round pick Martin Misiak on the move to Erie Otters.

Colorado Hockey Now: Former Avalanche player Steve Konowalchuk joins Colorado Eagles coaching staff.

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Los Angeles Hockey Now: Three Kings who benefit the most from offseason moves.

Montreal Hockey Now: Going through the Canadiens’ mailbag.

Nashville Hockey Now: Ranking the Predators top prospects.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Finding the real value in Penguins’ offseason moves.

Vegas Hockey Now: Age is just a number for Golden Knights.

Washington Hockey Now: Hershey Bears defenseman Bobby Nardella signs deal in Sweden.