Travis Konecny came back Sunday and gave the Flyers two things they’ll need against Minnesota. He banked a shot off the goalie and set up a teammate in the slot. Philadelphia put six past Utah that night, but Tuesday brings a tougher test in a Wild team that has allowed one goal in three of its last five games.
What changed for Philadelphia on Sunday
Konecny scored in his first game back after missing 10 and later found Christian Dvorak for a one-timer from the high slot. Owen Tippett also returned after six games out, the AP reported. That setup is worth watching for again. The Flyers may get fewer looks against Minnesota, so a clean shot from the slot can go a long way.
Our shot projections give the Wild a shot-volume edge of about 29 to 25, and we grade their attack higher. That helps explain the case for Minnesota as a −175 favorite in the 8:54 a.m. ET DraftKings snapshot. The Wild scored twice in the opening six minutes of Sunday’s 5–1 win over Washington, according to the AP. If Minnesota gets another early lead, the Flyers will have to find a way to build on the chances Konecny helped create against Utah.
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Philadelphia’s chances matter at 5.5
Jesper Wallstedt stopped 26 of 27 against Washington and has saved about 93% of the shots he’s faced over his last five starts this season. Joseph Woll is closer to 88% over his last five starts for Philadelphia, including four goals allowed on 29 shots against Washington. Both goalies were unconfirmed for Tuesday. If they start, Minnesota’s attack could do much of the scoring while Wallstedt makes it tougher for Philadelphia to supply the rest.
DraftKings posted 5.5 on Tuesday morning. Minnesota’s 5–1 win cleared that mark, but it was 2–1 until a late power-play goal and included an empty-netter. Philadelphia’s six-goal game also included an empty-net goal. At 5.5, watch whether the Flyers create enough chances early to take some pressure off the final minutes. A repeat of Sunday’s late scoring can get a game past that number in a hurry, even after two tight periods.
Watch where the Flyers get their shots. If Konecny can help them get looks from the slot again, Philadelphia has a way to make Minnesota’s volume edge less decisive. If those looks are scarce, the Wild’s stronger attack and Wallstedt’s recent form could leave Philadelphia relying on its goalie to keep the game close.
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