Todd Cordell
• Betting Analyst
12+ years betting experience
Updated:
Apr 21, 2026 , 10:05 PM ET
• 3 min read
Rickard Rakell has had a strong series so far, he’s just not getting rewarded. Our NHL betting picks believe that will change on Wednesday night.
EXPERT PICK – PROP
Rickard Rakell o0.5 Points (-110)
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) skates with the puck.
Rickard Rakell has found success against the stingy Philadelphia Flyers this season, picking up a point in three of four meetings (playoffs included).
My Penguins vs. Flyers predictions see the top-line winger making his mark in Game 3 as Pittsburgh tries to make it a series.
Let’s break down my NHL picks for Wednesday, April 22.
Penguins vs Flyers Game 3 prediction
Penguins vs Flyers best bet: Rickard Rakell Over 0.5 points (-110)
The Pittsburgh Penguins have tilted the ice during Rickard Rakell’s 5-on-5 minutes.
They’ve controlled 66% of expected goals, 71% of scoring chances, and generated 33 shot attempts through two games with Rakell on the ice, the most of any Penguins forward.
He’s also a focal point on the man advantage, where only Evgeni Malkin’s had more ice time.
Rakell’s being used in prime offensive situations, and the Penguins are generating chances. Dan Vladar is unlikely to sustain a .954 SV%, and Rakell is a prime candidate to help break through.
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Penguins vs Flyers Game 3 same-game parlay
Bryan Rust skates on the same line and power play unit as Rakell, so there is strong correlation there. There are also encouraging signs production could be coming.
Rust is tied for first in the series in high-danger chances, so I’m buying stock.
We’ll round out the parlay with Travis Sanheim blocks. The minute-munching defenseman blocked multiple shots in 73% of his home games following one day of rest, and his usage is predictably higher in the playoffs.
The Penguins will make a big push in Game 3, which should lead to plenty of block opportunities for the Philadelphia Flyers stalwart.
Penguins vs Flyers SGP
Rickard Rakell Over 0.5 points
Bryan Rust Over 0.5 points
Travis Sanheim Over 1.5 blocked shots
Penguins vs Flyers Game 3 goal scorer pick
Rickard Rakell (+210)
Rakell finished the regular season with seven goals over his final eight games. While he hasn’t found the net in this series, he leads the Penguins in expected goals at 5-on-5.
The vast majority of his shot volume comes from the slot and in, which is key. An in-form Vladar is unlikely to be beaten from range.
Penguins vs Flyers odds for Game 3
Moneyline: Pittsburgh +100 | Philadelphia -120
Puck line: Pittsburgh +1.5 (-270) | Philadelphia -1.5 (+210)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Penguins vs Flyers trend
Rickard Rakell has points in three of four games against Philadelphia this season. Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Flyers.
How to watch Penguins vs Flyers Game 3
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TNT
Penguins vs Flyers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Todd Cordell is a data-driven betting analyst. He uses numbers to help identify value across a wide variety of sports, with NHL being his specialty. Shot props, in particular, have proven to be a very fruitful market. Todd has served as a betting analyst in the public sphere for many years, most recently with theScore covering the NHL and MLB.
When not writing about sports betting, Todd stays busy analyzing the New Jersey Devils with a fine-tooth comb for InfernalAccess, his Devils-centric blog. Todd attended Sheridan College and graduated in 2014 with a diploma in print journalism.
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