Even though we've seen some strange things happen in the NHL over the years, it's really tough to see how the Philadelphia Flyers can come back from this. Not only did they lose Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarters to fall behind 3-0 to the Washington Capitals, but they were embarrassed badly in a 6-1 defeat on their home ice. They'll have one last chance to extend their season on Wednesday night in Game 4.
You can bet on NHL odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Flyers have been dogs every step of the way in this series, but they were really thought to have a shot at +122 on Monday. They did take a 1-0 lead within just a minute of the start of the game, but they proceeded to get outscored 6-0 the rest of the way in a duel which never really was all that competitive, especially in the third period.
Now, after such a dismal showing, they're sure to be even bigger underdogs in this game than they were in Game 3.
GOALIE REPORT
Poor Steve Mason. He gave up that goal in Game 2 which will be replayed time and time again, and he wasn't much better in Game 3, especially in the third. Dave Hakstol probably made a big mistake by leaving Mason in to give up a total of six goals, the last four of which came with the team on the penalty kill.
Mason is now saddled with a 4.09 GAA here in this series, and it doesn't seem like there's anywhere the Flyers intend to turn to replace him.
Braden Holtby isn't going to be given anywhere near enough credit for his role in this series, but he's been awesome. He's allowed just two goals through three games, stopping 91-of-93 shots along the way. Holtby has been the best goalie in these playoffs for sure, and if he keeps playing like this, he'll have his team in the second round in a hurry.
LIVE BETTING
The real issue we have with the Flyers in this series is that they just haven't responded to adversity. Sure, Washington is good, but you can't put your head down when you get behind. Philly gave up the last six goals in Game 3, and it has allowed at least the last two in all three games in this series.
Even Minnesota, a team which looked dead in the water against Dallas, was able to fight back and win a game when the going got tough. The Flyers haven't been able to do so thus far, and that's why they're on the verge of being eliminated.
QUICK PICK
We just don't see it with Philly. Sure, every game is different, but the Flyers don't have any confidence right now on the defensive end of the ice, and their stars just don't have anything whatsoever offensively either.
If there's a crack in Holtby, perhaps the Flyers will ultimately have a chance to win this game, but in a game which will see the Caps as relatively short favorites, we'd rather take the team which has been playing the better hockey instead of the one we'd merely be hoping looks better than it has to date.
NHL Odds: Capitals 4, Flyers 2
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker's live betting platform.
Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The matchup between the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers will start at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center. Game 4 of this series will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
