The Philadelphia Flyers are set to take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in what promises to be an exciting division rivalry matchup.
The Philadelphia Flyers are set to take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in what promises to be an exciting division rivalry matchup.
The Flyers, riding the high of a six-game point streak, have been playing some of their most cohesive and high-energy hockey of the season, while the Rangers on a nine-game heater after struggling through a good portion of the season.
Anthony Richard Returns to Flyers Lineup
After a strong showing earlier this season, Anthony Richard is back in the Flyers' lineup, adding speed and versatility to an already dynamic forward group.
Richard impressed during his initial NHL stint, showcasing his ability to complement the team's aggressive forecheck and tenacious puck pursuit. While his offensive production wasn't overwhelming, his play away from the puck and his ability to force turnovers stood out as assets to John Tortorella's system.
"[I] just want to play the same way when I was here at first, and just bring my speed and try to create offense," Richard said after the team's morning skate on Thursday. "Being first on the puck, on the forecheck...The team is playing well, so just trying to fit in and help the team keep winning."
Richard's return couldn't come at a better time, as the Flyers look to sustain their momentum against a Rangers team that thrives on controlling the neutral zone. Richard's speed will be critical in disrupting the Rangers' ability to transition cleanly and will also give the Flyers another tool for pressuring New York's defense. If he can pick up where he left off, his contributions could play a pivotal role in what's expected to be a high-tempo game.
Farabee - Couturier - Michkov Line Firing
Joel Farabee has been a highlight for the Flyers lately, particularly in his past few games. The 24-year-old has four points in those last three games, while Michkov has been enjoying a steady point production as well, nabbing four points in his last five games.
Michkov and Sean Couturier have looked solid together, with Couturier's patience and ability to read the game proving to be a nice way to balance out Michkov's creativity and ambition going forward.
With the Flyers showing how deep their offense goes, and with lines like the one comprised of Tyson Foerster, Noah Cates, and Bobby Brink shining particularly brightly, adding another productive and reliable line to the arsenal can only propel the team to new heights.
Handling a Resurgent Rangers Team
The Rangers are showing signs of an uptick in performance, with six wins in their last 10 games, going to overtime five times in that same span (an experience the Flyers know all too well).
However, the Flyers have proven this season that they're more than capable of handling their Metropolitan Division rivals. The Flyers have consistently outworked opponents during this current point streak, thriving on an identity built around relentless forechecking, physical play, and timely scoring.
While the Rangers have star power, the Flyers have excelled at frustrating skill-heavy teams by clogging the neutral zone and forcing turnovers. This style of play will be critical at MSG, where the Rangers typically feed off the energy of the home crowd.
Special teams could also be a deciding factor, as the Flyers will be looking to recapture the magic they've been able to find on the powerplay in recent moments, but have had some trouble staying consistent with.
This team's balanced attack will be crucial against a Rangers team that often relies on its top-six forwards to carry the offensive load. Look for the Flyers to focus on spreading the ice time evenly and leaning on their team-first approach to wear down New York over 60 minutes.
Projected Lines
Philadelphia Flyers
Forwards:
Owen Tippett - Morgan Frost - Travis Konecny
Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink
Joel Farabee - Sean Couturier - Matvei Michkov
Anthony Richard - Rodrigo Abols - Garnet Hathaway
Defense:
Cam York - Travis Sanheim
Egor Zamula - Rasmus Ristolainen
Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale
Starting Goalie:
Sam Ersson
New York Rangers
Forwards:
Artemi Panarin - Vincent Trocheck - Alexis Lafreniere
Will Cuylle - Mika Zibanejad - Reilly Smith
Chris Kreider - Filip Chytil - Arthur Kaliyev
Adam Edstrom - Sam Carrick - Matt Rempe
Defense:
Ryan Lindgren - Adam Fox
K'Andre Miller - Will Borgen
Urho Vaakanainen - Braden Schneider
Starting Goalie:
Igor Shesterkin