Rangers and Flyers Set To Clash In Philly

Can Brad Richards and the NYR get another W? (BSU)

With Washington, Columbus, New Jersey and Ottawa all sitting within three points of Philadelphia for the third Metropolitan playoff slot, a concentrated dose of motivation will be in the Flyers’ water today.

Meanwhile, our blueshirted heroes have their own cocktail of motivation to beat the Flyers; a regulation victory puts them five points up on Philly and gives them 30 ROW, which would make the Rangers the third Eastern team to do achieve the feat. Oh, and lest we forget, boosts the trade value for all of their available assets.

Stability

Real or not, our boys in blue will benefit from the perception of being in control of their own playoff-fate. The next four days will heavily influence not just the rest of this season, but well into the foreseeable future. Finishing the weekend with 71 or more points (we currently have 69), and firm command of their 2013-14 Cup aspirations will allow Slats to trade from a greater position of strength.

Which, y’know, when the upcoming trade deadline can heavily influence the next two or three, is all the rage.

Strength and Rangers. What a concept.

Edicts and Predicts

The difference? Edicts don’t need the added PR.

However, captain Claude Giroux didn’t care when he guaranteed the Flyers would make the playoffs just before Halloween. They’ve since gone 29-7-6.

Advantages lie strewn across both teams. The Rangers have better overall depth of talent, while the Flyers aren’t nearly as fatigued from the Olympics. Captain Callahan’s on a mission to prove his value. Captain Giroux’s on a mission to prove his team’s value. The Rangers have Lundqvist in net this afternoon, the Flyers have Mason.

With so much on the line for both teams, there’s no time for warm-ups.

Full Tilt Forecast

The abominable franken-spawn of Jaromir Jagr and Eric Lindros (he prefers, Eromir Jagros) waltz’s onto the ice Bernard King-style and plays offense for both teams.

Either that or we see a very spirited game where the leaders take it upon themselves to show everyone their mettle. Rangers win 4-2.

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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