Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

On the Rise with New Coach, Bruins Battle Flyers

The Boston Bruins are hitting their stride under interim head coach Joe Sacco, and they aim to continue their momentum when they host the Philadelphia Flyers in a Saturday matinee.

Bruins Building Confidence

Boston (14-11-3) is riding a three-game winning streak, improving to 6-2-0 under Sacco. The team capped a grueling three-in-four stretch on Wednesday with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, led by two-goal performances from captain Brad Marchand and Morgan Geekie.

“Huge win for us, and one we’ll continue to build on,” Marchand said. “We’re getting better defensively. Different areas of our game are starting to come together as we’re getting more confident with our play.”

Marchand and Geekie are among the Bruins finding their form, while goaltender Jeremy Swayman has posted a .925 save percentage and three wins in his last five starts.

Sacco emphasizes a process-driven approach to sustain success.

“We talked about getting back to an identity … and reaching that again,” he said. “We focus on certain things we can control every day. Hopefully the results and the score (will) take care of itself.”

Flyers Face Challenges

The Flyers (12-11-5) had a five-game unbeaten streak snapped in a 7-5 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Despite rallying at times, Philadelphia surrendered three goals in the final 5:17.

“There were times that we played our aggressive style … checking forward, things we talk about,” said forward Garnet Hathaway. “I don’t think we started with it, but I think we found it.”

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The loss featured strong individual performances. Owen Tippett scored twice, and rookie Matvei Michkov recorded three second-period assists, becoming the first Flyers rookie to achieve that feat since 2019. Michkov leads all NHL rookies with nine goals and 22 points in 24 games.

“Mich has an ability to take something that doesn’t look like there’s much going on and all of a sudden it’s a dangerous chance,” associate head coach Brad Shaw said.

Injuries Impact Flyers

The Flyers will be without forward Nicolas Deslauriers, who landed on injured reserve Friday with an upper-body injury. Defenseman Jamie Drysdale and goaltender Samuel Ersson remain sidelined but are considered day-to-day.

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Season Series

The teams have split their first two meetings this season, both shutouts. The Flyers earned a 2-0 victory in Boston on Oct. 29, while Joonas Korpisalo’s 20-save effort lifted the Bruins to a 3-0 win in Philadelphia on Nov. 2.

Key Matchup

• Matvei Michkov vs. Brad Marchand: The Flyers’ rookie phenom will look to outshine Boston’s veteran leader in a game where both teams are looking to make a statement.

What’s at Stake

Boston aims to extend its recent surge, while Philadelphia looks to regain its footing and prove its resilience after a tough loss.