Faceoff Factor

Canadiens v Flyers Game 4 Preview

Andrew Chiappazzi | National Hockey League

Apr 30, 01:39 AM | Hype this story!

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Canadiens (1) vs. Flyers (6) Game 4
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Series Score: Canadiens 1 – Flyers 2
Game Time: 7:00 EST
Location: Wachovia Arena (Philadelphia)
Television: Versus, CBC, RDS

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THE PRICE IS WRONG, GUY!

Sorry, had an Adam Sandler moment there. But that’s what Canadiens fans are screaming at Habs coach Guy Carbonneau, and Coach Guy may be thinking the same thing. Multiple media reports have said that the Montreal coach has refused to name his starting goaltender for Game 4, leading to speculation that Jaroslav Halak will get the nod as the Habs try and tie the series up at 2. Halak came in and made two saves on two shots. Philly only managed 14 shots, but the Canadiens couldn’t get anything past Martin Biron.

Oh, and speaking of getting things past Martin Biron…He seems to be the only Flyer that remembers to be intelligent. Granted, he can’t exactly do much damage there in the crease, but he might want to think about loaning a few brain cells out to the guys in front of him. Derian Hatcher could use a few, oh, dozen after his bonehead move in Game 3 that nearly cost the Flyers the game. Up 3-0 and with all the momentum in the world, Hatcher earned a five minute boarding major and a game misconduct for his hit on Francis Bouillon. Luckily for the Habs – and Hatcher – Bouillon is okay and will tonight, but so will Hatcher. The NHL could have looked to suspend Hatcher for at least one game, but they chose not to. The Flyers will be bolstered by the expected return of Mike Knuble. He has missed all of the series with a torn hamstring, and if he doesn’t return for Game 4, should return for Game 5.

A win for Montreal gives them control of the series again. But a Flyers win gives the Modernized Broadstreet Bullies two chances to finish the series quickly, something they might want to do considering what’s happening in the other Eastern Conference semifinal.

They won’t admit it, but a chance to quickly begin the potential media firestorm surrounding a Philly-Pittsburgh Conference Final could propel the Flyers to a quick finishing move against Les Habitants.
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Injuries
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Montreal: Brisebois (out, leg)
Philadelphia: Knuble (doubtful, torn hamstring)