Faceoff Factor

Canadiens vs Flyers Game 5 Preview

Andrew Chiappazzi | National Hockey League

May 3, 12:42 AM | Hype this story!

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Canadiens (1) vs. Flyers (6) Game 5
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Series Score: Canadiens 1 – Flyers 3
Game Time: 7:00 EST
Location: Bell Centre (Montreal)
Television: Versus, CBC, RDS

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According to several media reports, Montreal is pulling out a secret weapon to stave off elimination Saturday night against the Flyers…

Neckwear. A special, undefeated tie worn by Guy Carbonneau.

No word yet if Montreal fans will tie the knot instead of burning police cars and furniture if the Canadiens come back to win this series.

Carbonneau better hope that his lucky tie brings the good karma – it apparently won games against Ottawa to clinch a Canadiens playoff spot, plus two games in the first round against Boston – and that Carey Price cinches up that brought him recognition. Then again, Price’s game has had more stains than a fat guy’s sole neck warmer…

Jaroslav Halak got the start in Game 4, performed relatively well, but in the hopes that Price will excite everyone from Kovalev to a farmer in Windsor, Coach Guy is turning to his normal starter. The Flyers, meanwhile, are hoping to tie one on once they get back to Philly as they wait for the winner of the Rangers/Penguins series.

Canadiens fans may be fit to be tied if they throw away this chance at a Stanley Cup. Montreal stormed through the regular season, but now their stomachs are tied up in knots.

Flyers fans, meanwhile, are ready to take on all comers, to the point where they are promising to whip others with one hand tied behind their backs. Martin Biron has looked fantastic in net, while Danny Briere and RJ Umburger have been strong forces on the puck, so much so that even when the Flyers have their hands tied because of penalties by the likes of Derian Hatcher, they’ve been able to adapt and overcome.

Ultimately, it’ll come down to the tie. Does it have enough magic to lead Les Habitants to another win and send the series back to Philly? Or will Coach Carbonneau waste the magic and be tongue tied in his post-game press conference?

We shall find out. At least the game won’t end in a tie.

I swear, I’m done. No more tie references. I’m going to go celebrate by drinking a Mai Tai in a tye-dye shirt.

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Injuries
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Montreal: None.
Philadelphia: None.