Knuble could return for Game Four

Apr 28, 2008 - 7:57 PM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Mike Knuble could return to the Philadelphia Flyers' lineup for Game Four of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Montreal Canadiens.

A hamstring injury has kept Knuble sidelined since Game Five of Philadelphia's conference quarterfinal series against Washington. However, the right wing continued to skate on his own Sunday and is getting stronger.

Knuble will not play on Monday, when the series resumes in Philadelphia - but he did not rule out skating in Game Four on Wednesday.

"I skated for the first time on Friday and felt so-so," Knuble told the team's web site. "I went out there (Sunday), and it was a lot better, and a marked difference. (Monday) is too early, but Wednesday could be questionable, and for sure, after that."

The Flyers evened the series at a win apiece with Saturday's 4-2 victory in Montreal.

Knuble, who scored the game-winning goal in double overtime in Game Four against Washington, accompanied the team to Montreal and is eager to get back in the lineup.

"I'm really happy with the way we've played," he said. "To get caught up in the excitement is a real good motivator to help you get back and work harder."

If Knuble does not play Wednesday, his next chance would in Game Five in Montreal on Saturday.

Knuble registered two goals and three assists in his five games against the Capitals.

Philadelphia reached the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 3-2 overtime win in Game Seven in Washington. The Flyers advanced beyond the first round for the first time since 2004, when they lost to Tampa Bay in seven games in the conference finals.