Price gets the start

Reflecting on his front-row seat at the end of the Canadiens' bench for Game 4, Price said it was "tough to watch when you lose." There were, he added, no great insights to be gained from the vantage point, other than an appreciation of the Flyers' aggressive forechecking style.

While laughing off injury rumours, Price admitted he had been feeling some mental fatigue after "close to 14, I think" consecutive starts.

Thirteen, to be precise. The last three games of the regular season, alll seven playoff games against Boston and the first three against Philadelphia.

"Just getting worn out a little bit after playing a lot of games in a row," Price said. "I think it was good to get a little mental break. Last game was a good relaaxation period for me.

"I feel better after a couple days of good practices," Price said. "I really feel prepared for the next game."

Is he looking forward to starting again?

"I've never liked sitting on the bench," Price said. "It's never been my best attribute."

As to his alleged injuuries, Priice said "everybody has two or three thinggs that are sore in the playoffs – that's just the way it is.

"It's the norm for the playoffs. Guys are playing through strains or whatever."

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Christopher Higgins talked about crowding the net.

"You have to battle for your space," he said. "Philly does a good job of lifting sticks and getting bodies on guys. You have to be prepared to battle in front of the net.

"We have to be a little more intent in front of the net. The rebounds are there, but it seems they clear them before we get a stick on it. We have to be a little more aware of where the puck is going after it hits the goalie and going to those spots for a second shot."

Higgins feels he has to elevate his own game.

"I definitely have to do better," he said. "I'm not geting the results I want.

"Especially after the last game. You sit down in the lockerroom and you look at yourself first. Obviously, I'm not doing my part to help the team win. When you llose a game like we did to go down 3-1, it takes its toll. You don't feel good about yourself and the way you're helping your team.

"It's tough to look your teammates in the eye when you don't play a good game in the playoffs."

I asked Higgins if the bounces and breaks – exemplified by the Vaclav Prospal shot that rang off the post directly onto Scott Hartnell's stick in Game 4 – inevitably even out.

"I hope so," Higgins replied. "But I'm a big believer in making your own breaks. The harder youu work, the more persistent you are, the more chances luck will turn on your side. I think everyone in this room has that mindset.

"Quit isn't involved with our team. We've come back so often from being down in games. I don't think it's any different being down in a series. We'll have the same approach and be very confident in the next game."