Bet the NHL Playoffs: Greg Frank thinks the Flyers will rebound in Game 5 against the Islanders

Islanders (-114) @ Flyers (5)

Pick: Flyers +104

The Islanders look to advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1993 tonight as they enter Game 5 against the Flyers holding a 3-1 series lead in the second round matchup. There is no doubt New York has earned this opportunity and deserves to have a stranglehold on Philadelphia heading into Tuesday’s game. However, while the Isles took Game 4 by a 3-2 final on Sunday, the Flyers’ performance suggested the momentum in the series was about to change course. New York was far superior at even strength in Games 1 and 3 and won both of them without much sweat.

That wasn’t the case in Game 4 as the Flyers had more high-danger chances at 5-on-5 than the Islanders and more expected goals. From an effort standpoint, Philly played with more desperation and its much-maligned top line of Sean Couturier centering Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek got a goal and had several chances for more. Backup netminder Thomas Greiss was just too good for New York in Game 4 and the Islanders took advantage of some defensive miscues from the Flyers on each of their goals.

Give New York credit, they’re opportunistic offensively and play such a great defensive structure for coach Barry Trotz. But Game 4 was a sign that the Flyers are starting to figure things out and I expect their effort to be good again tonight. It’s unlikely Philly gets all the way back in this series, but I expect them to make New York feel some pressure and will back the Flyers tonight as short underdogs.