Saturday, March 13, 2010

Peepin' Foes: Philadelphia Flyers

Remember to turn your clocks forward tonight so you don't miss puck drop at the Garden on Sunday as the Rangers take on the Flyers at 3pm (on MSG, not NBC).

Where We Are: Coming off a win! The Blueshirts won in Blueland Friday night, beating the Thrashers 5-2. The scoreline was more convincing than the victory but a win is a win. The team has 69 points in 68 games and are at least three points out of eighth. It may be five by game-time as Boston plays Montreal on Hockey Night In Canada tonight.

Where They Are: Coming off of a unbelievable win against Chicago. Chris Pronger scored with three seconds left on the clock on an odd man rush. So hopefully Sunday will be a let down ... but I doubt it. Michael Leighton made 39 saves so Brian Boucher will likely get the call against the Rangers. The win gave Philly sixth place in the East with 76 points in 67 games.

Who To Watch For: Simon Gagne has six goals in Philly's seven games since the Olympic break and you can't forget the hat trick he posted at the Garden back in December. Jeff Carter has put up 10 goals in 12 games dating back before the Olympics that he didn't make. The ugly muppet Scott Hartnell was in a terrible slump entering this weekend but, of course, had a goal and an assist against Chicago so he will hope to widen the flood gates. Pronger is always a threat to either score or kill someone and Mike Richards is just an outstanding hockey player. Too bad he is a Flyer.

What To Watch For: The structure and desperation the Blueshirts claimed to be playing with in Atlanta. If he plays, which Sean Avery shows up. The Ranger power play scored two goals but still was too sloppy with the puck; can't ever forget the three-on-five goal scored by Richards at the Garden.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Vengeance. Win, lose or shootout, some Ranger had better step up and get blood for this. Vinny Prospal and Michael Del Zotto to have another good game. Arty Anisimov to do something, anything to justify his continued presence in the NHL. Some Czech league scouts in the crowd willing to pay Michal Rozsival to forgo the rest of his Ranger contract to go back to his homeland.

Also Check Out: Flyer Files is a MSM blog, SBN hosts Broad Street Hockey and you can stop by The 700 Level.

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