Flyers Rangers Preview

Although the Flyers have lost 2 out of 3 since returning from the All-Star break, they still have a big opportunity to do some damage today when they head to Madison Square Garden to take on the Rangers.  Although the Flyers are 3 points behind the Rangers and won't be able to take over first place, this afternoon will be a great opportunity for them to try and salvage the season series and also let the Rangers know who's boss in the Atlantic Division.

It's still very early in the second half, but one positive that can be taken from the Flyers' past three games is the play of Ilya Bryzgalov.  After allowing 1 official goal against the Jets on Tuesday, Bryzgalov followed that with another 1 goal performance in a 4-1 victory on Thursday against the Predators.  And yesterday Bryzgalov looked great again as he stepped in for Bob in the second period and didn't allow a single goal the rest of the way.

While his improved play is definitely a good sign, I would be even more impressed if he is be able to put up a big game against a rival like the New York Rangers.  Good goalies come through in big games, and Bryz has to do that for the Flyers this afternoon.

Bryz is not the only one I'm expecting a big game from.  Look for Claude Giroux who has been somewhat lacking in the goals department to come through today against the Rangers.  Giroux had a 12 game scoreless streak which began way back on January 5th.  But in Thursday's victory against the Predators, Giroux scored on an empty netter which had to feel good for the young star.  Yesterday Giroux had another goal scoring on a snap shot in the slot.

Overall it's going to be a great game.  These two teams clearly hate each other as edvidenced by their previous three meetings and it should make for a heated battle.  The absolute key for the Flyers will be to keep it close early.  If they fall behind and rely too heavily on their defense in the early going, they could be in for yet another defeat at the hands of the hated New York Rangers.