Eastern Conference Quarter-finals: Game 4
Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers
How to watch
Start time: 3:00 PM EDT / 12:00 PM PDT
In Canada: CBC, Sportsnet (English), TVA Sports (French)
In the US: NBCSN
Streaming: Sportsnet Now
Game 3 of the Habs-Flyers series wasn’t the most entertaining tilt we’ve seen in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The flow wasn’t consistent, there weren’t too many shots or goals. Just the lone marker by Jakub Voracek to give the Flyers a 1-0 win.
Defence has been a big theme for both of these teams. In fact, both are the top two in goals against this post season (Montreal is 1st, 1.50 GAA, Philly is 2nd, 1.57 GAA).
Offensively, the Canadiens have the most goals in the series (thanks to their 5-0 beatdown in Game 2). But players like Brendan Gallagher have been struggling to find the net, and it showed in Game 3. The only other time the Habs were shutout earlier this year, in spite of all the criticisms of their offence, came March 5 when they lost 4-0 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Habs were unable to beat Carter Hart who managed to record a shutout after making 23 saves.
Carey Price has done his best to hold down the fort in net having only allowed three goals all series, but he and his team need a win in Game 4 to avoid going down 3-1.
Tale of the Tape
| Canadiens | Statistic | Flyers |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Series record | 2-1 |
| 52.3% | Corsi-for pct. | 45.2% |
| 2.29 | Goals per game | 2.33 |
| 1.50 | Goals against per game | 1.57 |
| 13.6% | PP% | 4.0% |
| 87.1% | PK% | 80.0% |
All three goals from the Flyers in this series have come from a Flyer deflecting a puck while in front of Price, including Voracek’s Game 3 goal which was the result of a nice switch with a fellow Flyer forward that ultimately put Ben Chiarot out of position. The Canadiens will need to defend those, while also needing to return to the scoresheet.
They will need pressure of their own, along with more finish. Especially from Brendan Gallagher. He leads all players in shots on goal (31) but his 0.0 per cent shooting percentage leaves much to be desired. Gallagher also leads the team in individual scoring chances at 5v5 (11). The effort and chances are there, but he knows results are needed.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi is already being leaned on for more help offensively. He had a career-high 19:32 of ice time in Game 3, leading all forwards. His previous high was 15:48 back on Nov. 30 against the Philadelphia Flyers. There’s just something about him against this franchise. Associate head coach Kirk Muller said the young Finnish centre has the “hot stick,” thanks in large part to his four goals this postseason.
