Previewing 2019-20’s First Rangers-Flyers Game

Wow, is it possible that two major NHL rivals like the Flyers and Rangers have not played this season? Through two and a half months and 40 games, it is finally time for the Blueshirts and the Broad Street Bullies to battle it out.

Standings
In the Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division, the Flyers occupy the fifth place, and hold the second wild-card. They are right behind the Penguins, who have 46 points to the Flyers’ 45. Philadelphia has been dominant at home this season, owning a 12-2-2 record.

The Rangers see three Atlantic Division teams between them and the Flyers. They are tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets with 38 points. The Blueshirts have played about as well on the road as at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers and Flyers face-off at Wells Fargo Center tonight at 7:00 PM on NBC Sports Network. The two teams last played in the preseason and split the two-games.

Familiar Faces in Philly

An intriguing fact about tonight’s game is Flyers’ head coach Alain Vigneault will coach in his first regular-season game against the Rangers since he left New York. The Flyers’ Kevin Hayes also plays in his first regular-season game against his former club.

In an NHL network show, Hayes was asked about his time in New York and how it felt to leave this summer. He replied, “I don’t want anything to do with the New York Rangers.” It seemed like Hayes holds no love for the team he played five seasons with. Hayes had a 10-game pointless streak in November and has nine goals and 20 assists over 33 games.

Who’s Hot?
In addition to Kevin Hayes signing a seven-year, $50 mil. Deal in July. The Flyers also brought in 8-year-NHL veteran James van Riemsdyk on a 4-year, $28 million deal. Much like Hayes, JVR started out the season slow, only scoring his first goal in an Oct. 24 contest against the Blackhawks.

Also, much like Hayes, JVR has six goals in his last five games. Hayes has 13 points in his last 16 games.

For the Rangers, off-season signing Artemi Panarin has led the offense all season long, amassing 45 points over 33 games. He also had a 12-game point streak in November and early December and currently has a seven-game streak. Mika Zibanejad is also riding a five-game point streak.

Another Blueshirt raising his game to the next level, is Chris Kreider. The Boxford, Massachusetts-native, now in his seventh NHL season, had two goals in the Rangers’ romp over Anaheim on Sunday and has six points in his last five contests.

Henrik Lundqvist stopped 19 shots in the Rangers defeat of the Ducks. He started his first game in a while, and it remains to be seen who will start in net tonight.

It should be a good game tonight in Philadelphia. Both teams are coming off victories and will be excited to play in a rivalry game. Rangers and Flyers kicks off at 7:00 PM tonight. Don’t miss it!