NHL Hockey Free Predictions: Flyers vs Canadiens – Game Four
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Team Records:
Philadelphia: 41-35-6
Montreal: 39-30-10
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Philadelphia leads series 2-1
Sportsbook odds:
Flyers: +125 +1.5 (-240) Over 5 (-130)
Canadiens: -145 -1.5 (+200) Under 5 (+110)
Canadiens vs. Flyers Preview
The Montreal Canadiens accomplished a few things in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final that bode well for the team going forward. Firstly, they devised and carried out an effective game plan that appeared to neutralize the Flyers size advantage. Secondly, they played a smart and disciplined game. Thirdly they shattered the air of invincibility that Michael Leighton seemed to have. Lastly, they appeared to have a good time in winning their first game of the series.
What does it all mean? It means that the Montreal Canadiens are back and look ready to push the Philadelphia Flyers just like they did the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Philadelphia streaks are over. Their run of 13 straight goals (9 of which came in the first two games of this series), their six game winning streak and Michael Leighton’s 172 minute shutout streak are a thing of the past and hopes in Philadelphia are that they can start a new streak on Saturday afternoon in game 4.
The Philadelphia Flyers did not offer much offense in Game 3 and will be looking for more sustained pressure in game 4.
Games 1 and 2 saw a lot of traffic in front of Jaroslav Halak while Game 3 saw virtually none while Mike Richards and Danny Briere were not nearly as effective.
This is largely due to the Habs strong defensive play.
On defense, the Flyers were the team that appeared undisciplined – a total switch from Games 1 and 2. Chris Pronger was a minus three and will have to be better in Game 4. The Canadiens finally found a way to generate traffic in front of Michael Leighton and it paid off in spades. Leighton made 34 saves, looked pretty good, but lost his air of invincibility in Game 3.
The Montreal Canadiens are back folks. Back playing care free hockey and getting the results in the process. The Habs were once again able to maintain their “short memory” and were able to focus on the task at hand – Game 3. Mike Cammalleri returned to prominence, Brian Gionta was once again strong and other Montreal Canadiens stepped up offensively for seemingly the first time in the post season.
All of these factors bode well for the Habs who suddenly look like contenders going into Game 4.
Game 3 saw the re-emergence of Montreal’s strong defensive game. They were able, for the first time, to box out the big Philadelphia forwards and allow Jaroslav Halak to see every shot directed his way. Rebounds were non-existent. Yes, the Canadiens did their job in Game 3.
Game 3 signalled that the Montreal Canadiens had finally woken up. The coaching staff finally schemed a way to defeat Flyers and the players finally executed a game plan to perfection. We have all seen what can happen when the Montreal Canadiens have a plan and follow through with it!
Montreal had to just stay the course, be patient and play within themselves. Game 3 could just be the moment that we look back on at the end of the series.
The Canadiens have broken the ice and now it is time to take advantage of the momentum that they have gained. I think that they will.
NHL Betting Trends:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia’s last 8 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
Philadelphia is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal’s last 5 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Montreal’s last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Game 4 Pick: Montreal Canadiens
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