3 Things: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers (1/2/18)

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to gain some points in the Metropolitan Division, and what better way to start then with a win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins will take on the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center tonight, and the game will be aired on NBCSN with the puck dropping around 7:00 p.m. ET.

Here are three things to watch for in tonight's game:

1.) Even Strength Play 
The Penguins and the Flyers are both going to need to play a sound game at even strength since both teams have had their struggles while playing 5-on-5 hockey this year. The Orange and Black have only scored 65 goals while playing at even strength, while giving up only 56 goals. The Flyers have struggled to score goals at even strength, but aren't giving the opposition much while playing 5-on-5 hockey. The Penguins have only scored 53 goals while playing at even strength and they have given up 91 goals against. The two teams are going to need to be the better team while playing at even strength in order to win this game.

2.) Special Teams

It is no secret that the Flyers have had one of the worst penalty kills for the last few years, and this year, it hasn't been any better. The Orange and Black are only killing off 76.8% of their penalties taken, and are only 72.7% on the penalty kill at home. Philly's power play is in the middle of the pack, but they have converted on some opportunities of late, but the second unit needs to start pitching in for more balance. Pittsburgh has the third best power play in the NHL at 25%, and it can be dangerous so the Flyers want to stay out of the penalty box. The Pens penalty kill has been okay so far this year, and is ranked 15th in the NHL at 81%.

3.) Start

These two teams have struggled to start games well this season. The Flyers usually have dreadful starts to games coming off of long breaks, and they haven't played since Friday night in Tampa Bay. The Penguins are getting outscored 41-29 in opening periods of games so far this year. This is a rivalry game so I wouldn't be surprised if these two teams come onto the ice ready to play. These teams need to be ready to go from puck drop and not be sluggish or that could wind up costing them the game early.