Game 4 in Philadelphia Wednesday night will feature the Flyers first opportunity to push the Canadiens to the brink of elimination. Joining the team will be Mike Knuble, the right winger who has been out since midway through the Washington Capitals series. He tore his hamstring attempting to block a shot and has missed time ever since. His return to the lineup will inevitably force someone out. He will most likely rejoin the line with Jeff Carter and Scottie Upshall. But who will be the odd man out? Some point to R.J. Umberger, but he has the hot hands, scoring goals in each of the past three games. More than likely rookie Steve Downie will be a healthy scratch. 

Downie has had a taste of playoff action ever since game seven of the Washington series. Last game he was responsible for six penalty minutes and was not too effective offensively. Many “analysts” have pointed to Downie as being nothing more than a physical player, but those that have seen Downie know he is definitely capable of putting the puck in the net. Although this series has become more physical as it progresses, Knuble will probably replace the young, fiery Downie. 

The Flyers know for sure that Knuble will return to the lineup, but they do not know who they will face in net. Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau pulled rookie goalie Carey Price after two periods Monday night. Heallowed 3 goals on 12 shots. It is hard to fathom why Carbonneau would pull the young Price. The goalie is already only 20 years of age, responsible for carrying the Eastern Conference’s best team through the post-season. The move surely had to desecrate his confidence. Now, Carbonneau refuses to name his starter for game 4 until game time. Montreal’s backup, Jaroslav Halak, hasn’t started a game in over a month. After the Canadiens invested so much of their future in Carey Price, it would be rather difficult to sit the youngster now. If they do, it would be a great advantage to the Flyers, knowing there was a level of uncertainty in Montreal’s dressing room. 

Look for a great game 4 tonight in Philadelphia. The Flyers have to take their home ice advantage and run with it. They have the chance to put the Habs on the brink of elimination heading back to Canada. If nothing else, they can use this as a motivation. NO ONE TOUCHES ROCKY!  THIS MEANS WAR!

Photos courtesy, Getty Images the Hockey News