RANGERS RETURN HOME TO FINISH BACK TO BACK SET
New York Rangers (27-27-5) vs Philadelphia Flyers (29-19-10)
TODAY 12:00 PM TV: NBC
Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
The Rangers hit home ice today for the second of back to back games after a four game road trip with only one win under their belts and a three game losing streak to climb from under.
Yesterday’s 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Ottawa Senators summed up most of the season for the Rangers who continue to find a way to lose even when putting up goals on the scoreboard.
With only eight days until the trade deadline being five points out of a wild card playoff spot behind Carolina, Columbus and the Islanders it will be interesting to see where the Rangers go from here possibly missing the postseason for the first time since 2006.
Henrik Lundqvist who was pulled yesterday after allowing five goals very well may be getting the start today against Philly. Alain Vigneault stated after yesterday’s loss “our schedule has been rather challenging lately, down by three, saving him for tomorrow." as the reason Lundqvist was pulled in the third. Rookie netminder Alexandar Georgiev was supposed to make his Rangers debut yesterday but fell ill and was replaced in the lineup with Brandon Halverson who replaced Lundqvist. Halverson stopped 5 of the 6 shots he faced, allowing a questionable goal in the third after a lengthy video review.
Kevin Hayes who was questionable before the game yesterday battling a nagging lower body issue started on the fourth line wing and moved back to his center position late in the game will once again probly be a game time decision.
Philadelphia led by Captain and leading points getter Claude Giroux (66 points) currently sit in 3rd place in the Metro, 9 points ahead of the Rangers. The Flyers have won won four of their last five games including a 2-1 win on friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This is the second of four meetings between the Rangers and Flyers this season. In the first contest on January 16 the Rangers soundly defeated Philly 5-1. Henrik Lundqvist picked up the win with 26 saves while Rick Nash, 2 goals, Michael Grabner, JT Miller and Paul Carey gave the offensive support.
GAME DAY TEAM LEADERS
Rangers
POINTS: Mats Zuccarello 41
GOALS: Michael Grabner 25
ASSISTS: Mats Zuccarello 32
Flyers
POINTS: Claude Giroux 66
GOALS: Sean Couturier 29
ASSISTS: Jakub Voracek 54
Rangers Injuries: Kevin Shattenkirk (knee surgery), Chris Kreider (blood clot), Ryan McDonagh (upper body), Marc Staal (cervical strain), Steven Kampfer (fractured hand), Alexandar Georgiev (Flu)
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