| The Philadelphia Flyers will be looking to take a 3-1 series stranglehold when they host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday night at the Wachovia Center.
And Philadelphia will get a boost from the return of right winger Mike Knuble, who’ll be back in the lineup after missing five games with a torn hamstring. Knuble hasn’t played since blocking a shot late in the second period of Game 5 of the conference quarterfinal against the Washington Capitals. The 35-year-old was a big factor in the Flyers' first-round win, scoring two goals, including an overtime game-winner, and three assists through the first four contests.
Martin Biron made 32 saves as the Flyers won 3-2 in Game 3 on Monday night to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Philadelphia cashed as -135 home favorites and the score went under the 5.5-goal total.
Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said Wednesday morning he won't announce until game-time whether Carey Price or backup Jaroslav Halak will get the start in net. Price was pulled in Game 3 after allowing three second-period goals on six Philadelphia shots. Biron will start for the Flyers.
Over/under bettors should take note of an under trend, as the total has gone under in four of Montreal's past five on the road, and in 11 of Philadelphia’s past 16 at home.
The loss in Game 3 Monday was Montreal’s first in Philadelphia in the past five visits. The Habs are 7-2 SU in the past nine meetings overall. Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its past nine at home.
The game can be seen on VERSUS and CBC.
Betting Line: The Flyers are a -125 moneyline favorite and the Canadiens are a +105 underdog at BetUS. The over/under total is 5½.
Betting Consensus: About 63 per cent of the bets placed on this game are on Montreal, according to public betting information.
Pick: Montreal needs to do something it hasn’t done yet this series: score the first goal. If the Habs can play with a lead, they’ll win and put themselves back in the driver’s seat.
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