NHL Playoff Betting: Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens

Apr 30, 2008 | By Billy Brewer | Picks Articles Archive

Rookie goaltender Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens has been extremely impressive during his debut NHL season. But the young netminder will need a sparkling performance to regain the confidence of Montreal fans as the Canadiens meet the Philadelphia Flyers at Wachovia Center in Game 4 of their NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinal series. SBGglobal.com has the Philadelphia Flyers –130 odds favorites against the Montreal Canadiens +110 with the over/under set at 5.5 goals.Get your NHL Playoff Betting in now at SBGglobal.com

GAME: Montreal Canadiens (52-29-5-6) at Philadelphia Flyers (48-32-6-6)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 30 - 7:00 PM EST
LINE: SBGglobal.com TOTAL: 5.5
PICK: Philly -130

Price was yanked from the Montreal goal after allowing three goals on six shots in the second period of Game 3's 3-2 loss. But to be fair, it was not all Price's fault. The Canadiens wasted a 34-14 advantage in shots on goal, and they also took a too-many-men penalty late in the third which essentially snuffed their furious comeback. Captain Saku Koivu did his best to inspire his teammates, scoring a power-play marker in the third period while leading his team with five shots on goal.

The Flyers should know they dodged a bullet in Game 4, and they have goaltender Martin Biron to thank for their great escape. Biron stood on his head as the Flyers were pinned in their zone for most of the third period, which was brought on by Derian Hatcher's unnecessary misconduct that gave the Canadiens a five-minute power play. If the Flyers' offense can take a positive from this game, it is their ability to take their chances. They peppered Price when they knew the young goaltender was vunerable, and they capitalized. However, they will need more than 14 shots to beat the Canadiens.

Recent Trends to Consider

Canadiens are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Canadiens are 3-14 in their last 17 Conference Semifinals games.
Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Flyers are 8-1 in their last 9 home games.
Flyers are 7-1 in their last 8 games as a favorite.
Flyers are 6-1 in their last 7 games as a home favorite.

The Bottom Line: The Flyers have gotten inside the heads of the Habs. They are playing stronger hockey and Daniel Breire is a scoring machine. Get your NHL Playoff Betting in now at SBGglobal.com

NHL Playoff Betting: Philadelphia Flyers vs Montreal Canadiens

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