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NHL Predictions: January 3rd Philadelphia Flyers vs Edmonton Oilers

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Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at Last Word On Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we will look at the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Edmonton Oilers.

NHL Predictions Philadelphia Flyers vs Edmonton Oilers

2025-26 Season Series: Oilers 1-0 Flyers

How to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Sportsnet, ESPN+

Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Location: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta

Oilers’ Storylines

The Oilers come into 2026 with a mixed bag of results in December. Just when it appeared the back-to-back Wednesday Conference champions were figuring things out with a 6-2-1 record to open the month. However, they finished December going 3-3-0 in the final six games, including a lopsided 6-2 loss on New Year’s Eve in their last game.

While the usual suspects are returning to their typical pace of production, there are still questions about the defence and goaltending. Recently-acquired netminder Tristan Jarry is out with injury, and defenceman Jake Walman remains out as well. In goal, that’s put everything on the shoulders of Connor Ingram and Calvin Pickard.

Of course, there’s always the Connor McDavid effect. McDavid has been on an absolute tear lately, with points in 14-straight games. He has 34 points in that time, including 13 of his 24 goals on the season. Leon Draisaitl is never far behind that level of production. Draisaitl has 26 points in the last 14 games.

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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.

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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.

Main Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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